Shepherd Meadows footbridge

Background

We closed a footbridge over the Blackwater River in January 2023 for safety reasons. We did this after a visual inspection by our rangers who found evidence of rot and instability.

We commissioned a full study into the condition of the bridge which took place in April 2023. This was delayed as we needed a permit from the Environment Agency.

The further inspection and condition report by our specialist contractors, Atkins, identified significant defects in the bridge's structure.

Unfortunately, neither strengthening nor refurbishing work would resolve the issues with these structure defects. 

Closing the bridge was the only option while we look for a long-term solution.

Location

The closed footbridge straddles the boundary between Bracknell Forest and Hampshire County.

A connecting Hampshire footpath (ref. 505) and public right of way to south of the river is currently closed by Hampshire County Council.

The footbridge forms part of the SANG route and the long distance Blackwater Valley Path.

Select the What3words locator, ///eyelid.keyboard.unheated, to view the bridge location.

You can also view the location on Google Maps.

What we are doing

We are taking all reasonable steps to replace the footbridge as quickly and safely as possible, given its importance as a route for residents.

This has been a major operation. Finding a solution has required a coordinated approach between multiple stakeholders.

A footbridge replacement is expensive, and we have been prioritising obtaining funding for this work.

Funding

We have secured the funding to proceed with the replacement of the Shepherd Meadows footbridge.

This follows our budget setting process, which completed with the Executive Committee approval in March 2024.

A significant contribution is also being provided by the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership (BVCP). They coordinate work in the Blackwater Valley including wildlife conservation, water quality, landscape enhancement and recreation.

Bridge design and construction

We are working with Atkins to make sure the bridge design is appropriate for the location and for the users who will be accessing it.

We will be working with the Environment Agency to make sure there is no negative impact to the Blackwater River. We will get the relevant permits where necessary.

The land is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). We must protect the important wildlife while the new footbridge is being constructed.

The current bridge will need to be demolished and removed before installing the new structure.

When the work begins, we will need the right weather conditions. Otherwise, getting machinery to the site will be challenging.

Footpath diversion routes

We are working with Hampshire County Council about the temporary public footpath closure.

The footpath closure can be found on Hampshire County Council's map of public rights of way. It is intended for foot traffic only. For cycling routes, see our cycling page. 

Diversion route 1

East from the Shepherd Meadows car park along the Marshall Road towards the Meadows roundabout.

Diversion route 2

South from the Shepherd Meadows car park, over the railway crossing and then along Rosemary Lane to Blackwater station.

Timescales

We expect to finish the footbridge replacement and upgrade in 2025.

Work will be weather dependent to make sure any machinery can pass through valuable habitats without causing harm. The project will also need various permits and permissions to be agreed.

We will advise when the work is due to start, when this is planned in. This will contain information that visitors to Shepherd Meadows need to be aware of. We will update residents and key stakeholders when the bridge replacement has been finished, and the route is open again.

Blackwater River is a salmonid river. To protect the fish while spawning, we must not carry out works on the river between 1 October and 15 June.

Thanks

Our thanks to the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership for their important financial contribution towards this bridge replacement project.

We also thank our residents for their patience as we work to resolve this matter.