Plans for the new bridge over the River Tone, in the centre of Taunton, were revealed to the public last week.

At an exhibition at the Brewhouse Theatre on 5 December, staff from Somerset County Council revealed the preferred option chosen from a number of proposals put forward to a joint Member/Stakeholder group.

Designed by leading structural engineering consultancy Flint and Neill, in conjunction with Moxon Architects, the bridge forms a key element of the Taunton Third Way road scheme, which aims to alleviate congestion in the town centre. The scheme involves the construction of a new road linking Wellington Road in the south to Bridge Street in the north.

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The slender arched bridge is in keeping with the picturesque nature of the site, with boarded footways set aside from the road and discreet night-time lighting. The height of the bridge allows continued cycleway/pedestrian access underneath and does not restrict the navigation of the river.

Cllr Hazel Prior-Sankey, Somerset County Council’s Portfolio-Holder for Planning, Transport and Waste said: "We are grateful to have had the opportunity to seek the public’s opinion on the Taunton Third Way scheme and welcomed the positive feedback we received about the bridge design."

Cllr Stephen Martin-Scott, Design Champion for Somerset County Council added: "Just putting up any old bridge was never going to be an option for this high profile location. The new bridge will be light, modern and a fitting enhancement to the town. It will be emblematic of the 'new' Taunton, whilst still allowing many of the traditional riverside vistas to be maintained."

Further information on this and other major projects can be viewed at: www.somerset.gov.uk/newhighways.

(JM)