A NEW footbridge straddling two railway lines in Wokingham has prompted varying responses from borough residents as it nears completion.
The Tan House bridge, devised by Network Rail, leads from the back of the Carnival car park to Ormonde Road allotments.
It was installed, minus its connecting steps, in February this year, but has remained unusable since then.
It replaced two bridges, one temporary, and one permanent, neither of which were accessible for anyone not on foot.
Now the new steps have been installed, there have been mixed views from Wokingham residents in online discussions.
“It doesn’t look good if you have a mobility scooter or pram with all the steps,” said one resident online.
“Will it be well enough lit to ensure that it’s safe for people to use at night?” asked another.
Yet others said they thought the new bridge was meant to give improved access, or that they had hoped it would have lifts, or a sloping ramp.
People with additional accessibility needs may have hoped to be able to use the new bridge immediately, but although it does offer the possibility of additional access in future, it is not currently suitable for mobility scooters, cycles or pushchairs.
Earlier this year the bridge was described by a Network Rail representative as ‘a much more sustainable structure with a passive provision for future accessibility improvements’.
What does that mean?
A Network Rail representative explained: the bridge’s design makes it possible to retrofit accessibility upgrades in the future.
“Elements of it, should these be required, can be removed and replaced as required in years to come, without having to renew the whole bridge,” they said.
“Potentially these could include lifts, ramps or other kinds of provision, but any add-ons would be dependent on funding and suitable business cases to support the work.”
It means that while the bridge can be made accessible to more users in future, for now at least, it remains limited to those on foot.
Some residents have said they have missed the route and are looking forward to being able to use the bridge again.
“I used to use the old bridge all the time and it will be good to finally have the replacement open,” said one.
And Wokingham Town Councillor Tony Lack, said: “It will be great when it’s open again, it makes the walk from Woosehill to town so much nicer than having to go via the busy Barkham Road and level crossing.”
Wokingham Borough Councillor Adrian Betteridge agreed, pointing out that it connects South Wokingham residents with the town centre.
Both say the bridge would have benefitted from ramps rather than steps.
For those eager to use it, whether for town centre access, or just “as a viewing platform for occasional steam-hauled specials” the wait is nearly over.
Network Rail says that Tan House footbridge is expected to reopen in November.
