'Iconic' lifting bridge plan scrapped in favour of cheaper swing crossing

A PLANNING application for a bridge costing millions, which has previously been described as ‘iconic; has been withdrawn due to rising costs.

- by LEE TREWHELA

There is now a proposal to build a cheaper option as part of Truro’s £23.6 million Town Deal scheme.

The Truro Town Deal Board has scrapped plans for a lifting bridge, connecting Truro’s Boscawen Park with Newham, in favour of a swing bridge at a reduced cost.

The original proposal - a ‘bascule’ bridge, dubbed ‘iconic’ by the board ~ was seen as vital to the creation of a loop for pedestrians and cyclists connecting different parts of the city.

However, the dream is not dead, and the new project has now been awarded up to £812,000 in Cornwall Council match-funding.

After the expected cost of building the lifting bridge rose, earlier this year the Truro Town Deal Board agreed to explore alternatives.

What is now being proposed is a swing bridge, rotating around a pivot point on the western quay.