The scheme, which is part of the three-year Plymotion project, is being designed and delivered by the city council’s highways contractor, Amey. It will draw on US$6.6 million provided for the Plymotion project by the Department for Transport’s fund for local sustainable transport.
The Laira Rail Bridge was built in 1887 and stopped carrying passenger trains in the 1960s and freight trains in the 1980s. It is believed the last train crossed the bridge in 1987 and the bridge has since fallen into disrepair.
Planned works will include repairing and strengthening the fabric of the bridge structure and removing old timbers and rail tracks, along with an abandoned gas main. A new deck and parapets will be provided. Lighting will also be installed along the length of the bridge and cycleway ramp.
Detailed design of the scheme is expected to be complete by the end of September, with works starting on site in November for completion in early 2015.
