Access all areas as footbridge reopens
The extensive refurbishment of the Coach Park footbridge in Windsor is nearly complete and will open to residents and tourists next month.
The bridge had to be closed temporarily for the project in January and has been encapsulated in scaffolding due to its proximity to a working railway platform at Windsor and Eton Central Station.
The footbridge works included the lift refurbishment, cleaning and repainting of the steel structure, preventative maintenance and anti-corrosion works, new lighting, and cleaning the Perspex canopy.
Councillor Amy Tisi, cabinet member for children’s services, education and Windsor, said: “Improving gateways and arrival points is a key action within the ‘Vision for Windsor’, outlining how our community would like
Windsor town centre to evolve into the future.
“We know that first impressions matter, and many visitors and residents alike arrive in the town centre via the car parks and Coach Park footbridge, so upgrading these important gateways will definitely improve their experiences and sense of welcome.
“Attention to the footbridge was long overdue.
“Repairs had to be completed before further deterioration and we worked to minimise the impact for businesses.
“I’d like to thank everyone for their ongoing patience and I’m sure many of us look forward to walking across the fully refurbished bridge, which will serve the town well for many years to come.”
The footbridge is due to reopen on Tuesday, May 7, with the removal of scaffolding getting underway following final repair and redecoration works.
Meanwhile, upgrades at nine car parks are also nearly complete at Alexandra Gardens, Alma Road, Coach Park, Eton Court, Home Park, King Edward VII Avenue, Meadow Lane, River Street and Romney Lock.
User-friendly upgrades include re-lined bays, illuminated signage and new shelters and lighting over payment machines.
River Street has also been resurfaced and marked with six extra bays, while nine extra disabled bays have been created across Alexandra Gardens, Alma Road, Meadow Lane and River Street.
Councillor Geoff Hill, Cabinet member for highways and transport, customer service centre and employment, said: “The car parks will soon be the best they’ve been for years and I’m pleased we’ve been able to include some extra disabled bays too.
“We encourage people to walk or cycle for shorter journeys, wherever possible, however, we know that’s not
always possible for everyone all the time, so when people arrive by car these upgrades will make it a more user-friendly experience.”
These improvements by the Royal Borough are part of the wider ‘Vision for Windsor’ with Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership investment.