Exeter economy set for a lift as bridge put in place over the M5
THE successful installation of a new bridge over the M5 has been hailed as a key development for Exeter's future economic success.
After the initial attempt to move the structure into place was abandoned due to high winds on Saturday night, the main span of the new £3.75 million crossing over the motorway at Redhayes was lifted into place in the early hours of yesterday morning.
The new pedestrian and cycle bridge north of junction 29 is a key part of the infrastructure paving the way for major developments to the east of the city, including Exeter Science Park.
Weighing more than 230 tonnes, the bridge is 100 metres long with a twin-arch, 'bowstring' structure.
Work will now continue on the bridge, with the remaining side span due to be craned into place next weekend.
Dr Steve Denton, director of engineering at Parsons Brinkerhoff, who designed the bridge, said: "The lift has gone very smoothly and we are absolutely delighted with the result. It will be an iconic landmark for Exeter, marking the gateway to the city as well as being an important step forward for infrastructure.
"It is the first on the UK road network to be designed and constructed to the new Eurocode design standards, which are currently being introduced across all EU member states."
Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council's cabinet member for highways, said: "It has been a thrilling and dramatic sight, watching this huge structure being raised and gently put into place.
"The new bridge will create a wealth of opportunities for our community and our economy," he said.
"It is the first of many exciting steps to develop our infrastructure and will help to grow the economy east of Exeter by improving transport links and reducing congestion.
"Developing our commercial potential will stimulate more employment and more investment into the region and bring benefits for the whole county."
Councillor Peter Bowden, county councillor for Broadclyst and Whimple, added: "This is a fantastic new development which will mean less traffic on the roads for our residents and improve the quality of life as a result. It will also make journeys into Exeter by bicycle or on foot a convenient and pleasurable experience."
A spokesman for Exeter-based contractors Carillion said: "We are very pleased that the lift went without a hitch. It is a complex and challenging undertaking which requires a lot of planning and preparation, but it has paid off and the bridge is looking superb in its new position."
The county council secured funding for the new bridge as part of a £5.5 million regeneration package through the Homes and Communities Agency's Community Infrastructure Fund in August 2009.
The bridge – which is expected to open in April – reconnects Gipsy Hill Lane to Black Horse Lane, a link which was severed when the motorway was built.
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by Devon Driver, Devon
Wednesday, February 16 2011, 1:54PM
“I hope the EU realises that stuff is thrown from bridges and that this bridge is safe from this falling debris. If not can we claim huge damages from the EU?”
by Ed, Central Exeter
Wednesday, February 16 2011, 1:34PM
“There is a lot of bridge-bashing on here today. I find it refreshing that the infrastructure is going in before the development and hope that the new bridge does encourage people to leave the cars at home and walk or cycle to work.”
by David Smith, EXETER
Wednesday, February 16 2011, 7:58AM
“THE bridge has been made necessary because of huge new developments, soon to take shape, at Cranbrook and Black Horse.
Effectively a new town is to be built on Exeter¿s doorstep and the generation of more traffic will cause real problems for the City.
Therefore any measures that encourage cycling and walking are bound to be good for the future!
....”
by garr`, capernwray
Wednesday, February 16 2011, 12:29AM
“On behalf of all motorist i`d like to drop chav [sorry,chad] from the bridge so he can give us a running commentry on what it would look like falling from that height on to the road,on behalf of all balloons,human balloons included!”
by Jonny, exeter
Tuesday, February 15 2011, 4:50PM
“All this fuss over a bridge? get a life...I expect local residents are pleased.”
by David, Exeter
Tuesday, February 15 2011, 3:23PM
“"It is the first on the UK road network to be designed and constructed to the new Eurocode design standards, which are currently being introduced across all EU member states."
So wot's this all about then? Couldn't we build bridges before the EU stepped in?”
by No_news_is, Exeter
Tuesday, February 15 2011, 1:32PM
“Sorry to interrupt the happy clapping and back slapping over Exeter¿s economic success, but I¿d love to know why the E&E hasn¿t covered this story:
Employment agency Crackdown in Devon
http://www.4rfv.co.uk/nationalnews.asp?id=122800
Most Exeter employment agencies visited in breach of employment laws
http://www.recruiter.co.uk/most-exeter-employment-agencies-visited-in-breach-of-employment-laws/1008434.article
Targeted employment agency inspections continue
http://www.workplacelaw.net/news/display/id/32756
A raid by HM Revenue & Customs found the majority of the city¿s employment agencies share the same ethics as a brothel.”
by No_news_is, Exeter
Tuesday, February 15 2011, 1:28PM
“Sorry to interrupt the happy clapping and back slapping over Exeter¿s economic success, but I¿d love to know why the E&E hasn¿t covered this story:
Employment agency Crackdown in Devon
http://www.4rfv.co.uk/nationalnews.asp?id=122800
Most Exeter employment agencies visited in breach of employment laws
http://www.recruiter.co.uk/most-exeter-employment-agencies-visited-in-breach-of-employment-laws/1008434.article
Targeted employment agency inspections continue
http://www.workplacelaw.net/news/display/id/32756
A raid by HM Revenue & Customs found the majority of the city¿s employment agencies share the same ethics as a brothel.”
by What's your poison?, Exeter
Tuesday, February 15 2011, 1:09PM
“Ed
Well, there's a lot of work going on in the science park area and Cranbrook is due to start in the not too distant future. So I guess it will become a bridge to somewhere before long.
It is quite common for infrastructure to be put in place in advance of development, which is the right way around.
The negativity of some in this city is worthy of Plymuff.
At least Chad can see a use for it.”
by Ed, Exeter
Tuesday, February 15 2011, 12:49PM
“Poison.
Footbridge to nowhere? Infrastructure? Get real.”