A new active travel bridge linking the city centre to Devon Place
In 2023, Newport City Council opened a new active travel bridge connecting Queensway to Devon Place near Newport train station.
Aims
The aims were to:
- provide a safer and more convenient crossing over the railway
- improve the walking, wheeling and cycling accessibility
Description
The new bridge replaces an old subway, providing residents and visitors with a safer, more accessible linking route to cross the main railway line. The bridge has been built to active travel standards, enabling easy use for wheelchair users, cyclists and walkers. It has been funded through Welsh Government’s Active Travel Fund.
The scheme also includes improved paving around the transport hub and incorporates sustainable drainage features that capture rainwater and divert it to the newly installed planters.
This is the latest piece of active travel infrastructure to be completed in Newport, following on from refurbishments to active travel paths in Coed Melyn, Tredegar Park and Gaer Fort.
Lessons learnt
The provision of the bridge has been a complex project, with a number of challenges to overcome including working over an electrified railway line, working under the station and in the old subway.
These challenges have been overcome through the collaborative efforts of several parties. The council led the project, in partnership with Network Rail and Transport for Wales. The council team was supported by Arup, Grimshaw and Corderoy for design and project management.
Other notes
Alun Griffiths Ltd were principal contractors, while Cass Hayward led on the design of the bridge, and fabrication and installation was carried out by Pro Steel of Pontypool.
Outputs
The new bridge has improved the links between Devon Place and Queensway, providing local residents and visitors with a safer and convenient route to cross the railway line. The new bridge has been built to active travel standards to allow easy access for walking, wheeling and cycling.
Monitoring is taking place, and there has been an average of 539 pedestrian journeys per day and 47 cycle journeys per day.
