New horse-friendly bridge

WORK on a new horse-friendly bridge is starting this week at Dutton Locks across the Weaver, as part of the Sustrans network.

British Waterways is to improve access to the Weaver Valley for communities and visitors with a new 'horse-friendly' bridge, that will also be used by walkers and cyclists.

Temporary pontoon bridge

Completion is expected in early November, with access for pedestrians and cyclists in the meantime being by a temporary pontoon bridge later this month, though this will not be suitable for horses.

The £1.15m project involves replacing the existing life expired bridge across Dutton Lock sluice channel with a fixed steel structure set on three fixed spans with a curved elevation to afford vessel access.

New ramps

There will be new approach ramps and a specially constructed deck, conforming to British Horse Society design guidance.

The bridge provides access to the lock island, which houses a lock keepers' office and four cottages. From the island, the track continues over Dutton Lower Horse Bridge and across the sluice outlet channel on to the north river bank, linking up with other bridleway routes downstream.