Active travel bridge: Connecting communities in Newtown, Powys
Background
Canal Road and Pool Road in Newtown are separated by the River Severn. Previously, there were no direct walking, wheeling or cycling connections between the roads. This meant people had to travel further to access local services and the town centre.
Powys County Council built a new active travel bridge across the river. Local residents, community groups and schools were engaged throughout. The bridge became available for public use in June 2025.
Aim
The aims of the project were:
- To provide a safe, direct, and accessible route for people walking, wheeling and cycling between Canal Road and Pool Road
- Improve access to jobs, shops, services, recreational opportunities
- Link to the other walking, wheeling and cycling routes in the area
- Encourage more sustainable travel choices.
Costs
The scheme cost £3.8 million. It was funded through Welsh Government's Active Travel Fund over a four-year period. This funded the design and construction of the bridge, access routes and lighting improvements. An outdoor gym was also built as part of the wider scheme.
Outcomes
A survey undertaken shortly after the bridge opened found:
- 661 bridge crossings recorded over a ten-day survey period.
- 94% of the 179 surveyed users were very satisfied with the bridge.
- People used the bridge for shopping and errands (41.5%), leisure and recreation (44.8%), commuting (7.8%) and visiting friends and family (4.5%).
- Most users travelled on foot.
- Early indications of improved accessibility for wheelchair users, mobility aid users and cyclists with 2.5% of people surveyed using some form of mobility aid.
Early evidence suggests the bridge is improving people’s local journeys. We’re continuing to monitor the use of the bridge. Sensors have been installed on the approaches to the bridge to track usage trends over time.
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