Footbridge in Rickmansworth Aquadrome to close next week

The pedestrian bridge in the Rickmansworth Aquadrome is set to be replaced as the current one is "at the end of its usable life", with five days of work beginning on Monday (September 23) to clear greenery around the site.

The full replacement works are expected to take place later this year, with specialist bridge contractor Beaver Bridges Ltd in charge of the manufacture, construction and installation of the replacement.

Ebury Play Area is also set to close while the work takes place.

CGI images shared by Three Rivers District Council shows that the new bridge will be painted in a "deep red" colour with a similar arch design to the current one.

The new structure, which received planning permission last year, will be double in width at three metres-wide and 48.6 metres-long to allow pedestrians and cyclists to pass each other safely.

A CGI image of the new bridge. (Image: Three Rivers District Council)

Three Rivers District Council allocated £320,524 from the community infrastructure levy to replacing the pedestrian bridge in July last year after the level of repairs that would be required over the coming years were revealed in a report.

But a further £961,572 was also needed to meet the total cost of the replacement, which will come from the Department for Transport’s Paths for Everyone funding programme.

TRDC’s lead member for leisure councillor Chris Lloyd said: "Replacing the old bridge forms a critical part of the wider and significant Rickmansworth Aquadrome Project that aims to restore, improve and safeguard this biodiverse nature reserve while balancing the site’s recreational use for many years to come.

"We are pleased to share with residents what the new pedestrian bridge will look like, and I look forward to seeing it come to fruition."