Cost of UK footbridge rises by US$2.5 million

A UK combined authority in eastern England is being asked to contribute an extra US$2.5 million to a cable-stayed bridge project.

Peterborough City Council costed the design for Cygnet Bridge over the River Nene and secured funding in 2023 (link opens in new tab). The design was chosen in a public consultation.

Artist's impression of Cygnet Bridge. Credit: Peterborough City Council

It is now asking Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) to approve the additional funding so it can start construction on the project at Fletton Quays.

In a report to CPCA, the city council cited design modifications as a reason for the increase. These modifications include a need for more steel and an increase in piling. And the cost of a sewer diversion provided by the contractor is greater than the early estimate made by the water board.

CPCA will absorb the cost through efficiency savings, which left it with a US$1.9 million underspend in its Transforming Cities Fund. This money must be used for capital works before the end of March 2025 or it will have to be returned to central government. CPCA will also use an active travel grant.