Final preparations being made for Aquadrome bridge installation

Three Rivers District Council’s contractor, Beaver Bridges, has given another behind-the-scenes look at the progress of the nature reserve’s new gateway, which will be 48.6m long and 3m wide.

Following full manufacture of the iconic bridge, it has been sent to a paint shop in Scunthorpe to be shot-blasted and then sprayed in its deep red colour.

A new bridge, funded largely by developer contributions, will replace the old one, off Riverside Drive, to serve as the new key link to the 41-hectare nature reserve. It will be double the width of the old bridge to allow pedestrians, wheelchairs, buggies and cyclists to pass each other safely and encourage sustainable travel. The surrounding area will be attractively landscaped to provide a great view of Batchworth Lake.

Last month, Three Rivers waved goodbye to the old bridge, which served the district for many decades. Once the paint job is completed, the new bridge will be transported to Rickmansworth, where the moment we’ve all been waiting for will happen – its installation. Following this, the area will then be landscaped and exciting enhancements made to Ebury Play area in preparation to open the area to the public once again.

For the installation to be conducted safely, Riverside Drive is required to be reduced to a single lane to facilitate the crane to install the pedestrian bridge on Saturday 15 March and Sunday 16 March.

Temporary traffic lights will be in place on Riverside Drive between 9:30am and 3:30pm. The footpath and cycle path will remain open.

Emma Sheridan, Associate Director for Environment, said: “It’s very exciting to see the vision of the new bridge that will improve access to one of the jewels of the district become a reality.

“The new bridge will assist our community in reconnecting with the much-loved Aquadrome and its wildlife, as well as stimulate active travel. While we are all very eager to start using the bridge, work is still required to ensure the bridge and the surrounding area are cleaned and spruced up. We look forward to cutting the ribbon and announcing the name of the bridge soon.

“We apologise for the temporary inconvenience caused. It will be worth it when the bridge is installed. In the meantime, the Aquadrome is still open to the public and can be accessed via the car park, towpath by the canal, or by following the established diversion signage.”

To read more information on the bridge and the wider Rickmansworth Aquadrome Project, please click here.

Three Rivers District Council is asking residents and visitors to comment on five shortlisted names for the new bridge. You can have your say here.