As an effort to reduce traffic congestion while improving pedestrian and cycling paths, a brand new footbridge crossing over the A1260 Nene Parkway in Longthorpe has been installed, replacing an older bridge meters away from the new bridge’s site. Its predecessor, originally built in the 1970s failed to meet current day standards, was demolished and removed. The new footbridge, opened March 27, 2023, was part of a multimillion pound project funded by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.
In comparison to its predecessor, the new footbridge is wider and installed with ramps that are less steep, making it more accessible for pedestrians, cyclists, and wheelchair users.
Councilor Marco Cereste, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Planning, Housing and Transport of the Peterborough City Council remarked, “The new bridge looks fantastic, it’s certainly an upgrade on its predecessor and we’re confident cyclists and pedestrians will enjoy using it. I would like to thank everyone involved in this project for their hard work over the past year.
“The remaining highway works at Junction 15 are progressing well and due to be completed this spring, with carriageway resurfacing to take place shortly. We are fully committed to improving our highways network to help ensure we have the right infrastructure in place as our city continues to grow.”
Cereste added, “This project will help reduce congestion at one of the worst pinch points in Peterborough, as well as improving provision for cycling and walking, tying in with our goal to reduce carbon emissions.”
Unova Products provided A&I Coatings’ Vitreflon to the new footbridge, ensuring its longevity. Vitreflon, enriched with Lumiflon FEVE resin technology, offers architectural structures superior durability and weatherability. Low VOC and strengthened with anti-corrosive properties, FEVE-based fluoropolymers maintain a coatings’ structural integrity, even after prolonged exposure to UV radiation, moisture, salt, and other elemental deterrents. Lumiflon’s exceptional coating-preserving capabilities will keep the new Longthorpe footbridge in excellent condition for decades.
Header photo courtesy of Peterborough City Council
Body photo courtesy of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority