The planning application is being submitted this month for a new bridge over the River Tone in Taunton, western England. It has been designed by Flint & Neill in conjunction with Moxon Architects and will be a key element of the Taunton Third Way scheme, which is aimed at alleviating congestion in the town centre.
The bridge has been designed to be in keeping with site's picturesque nature. It comprises two skeletal steel arches carrying a road deck and two pedestrian walkways. Stainless steel hangers will support the deck. "Just putting up any old bridge was never going to be an option for this high profile location," said Somerset County Council's design champion, councillor Stephen Martin-Scott. "The new bridge will be light, modern and a fitting enhancement to the town. It will be emblematic of the 'new' Taunton, whilst still allowing many of the traditional riverside vistas to be maintained."
The planning application is due to be determined in April and construction work is expected to start in mid-2009 for completion in mid-2010.
