Bridge reopens for cyclists after two-year closure

A Victorian bridge shut because it was deemed unsafe has reopened to pedestrians and cyclists for the first time in two years.

The Boxted Bridge on the Essex-Suffolk border, near Colchester, was found to have "severely deteriorated" and was closed off at the end of 2023.

Tests were carried out on the bridge in September, to see how much weight it could withstand.

Essex County Council said opening a path on the bridge was a temporary arrangement.

The steel structure was built four years before the end of Queen Victoria's reign, carrying people over the River Stour.

An inspection in 2018 concluded the structure's beams were corroded, before it was eventually closed off in 2023.

A council spokesperson said crews had carried out topographical surveys, environmental studies, borehole drilling, structural monitoring, flood risk assessments "and more" at the site.

A council spokesperson said barriers had been removed and temporary fencing installed through the centre of the bridge to allow safe access.

Meanwhile, the authority has launched an online consultation inviting opinions on what to do with the bridge moving forward.

It is due to run until 12 February.

The council says it will also look at reopening the waterway under the bridge as soon as possible.

Earlier this year, councillors discussed the prospect of demolishing the bridge.

Campaigners have been lobbying to protect and reopen the existing structure.

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