Temporary footbridge could be installed at Boxted Bridge

Boxted Bridge, which passes over the River Stour between Suffolk and Essex in the Dedham Vale, has been closed since July 2023 after concerns were raised about its condition. 

The Save our Bridge campaign group believe the structure can be saved and activists have collected more than 8,000 signatures on a petition to maintain it.

Save our Bridge campaigners in the River Stour (Image: Lucinda de Jasay) While the it remains closed, Essex Highways has revealed it is investigating options for a temporary footbridge over the river.

South Suffolk MP James Cartlidge he was "very pleased" that a temporary solution was being sought, but added the possibility of it being replaced is causing "great anxiety".  

Lucinda de Jasay, of the Save our Bridge campaign, said: "We are all saying 'great', but why did you not do this at the beginning?" 

South Suffolk MP James Cartlidge (Image: Newsquest)

Darius Laws, Colchester city councillor for Rural North, which covers Boxted, added a permanent solution needs to be found. 

He said: "The ownership of the bridges over the Stour alternatives from Essex Highways to Suffolk Highways and this bridge is the responsibility of Essex Highway.

"I am therefore grateful that Essex Highways bosses are exploring options to arrange a temporary route across the river, but ultimately we are pressing for a swift permanent solution." 

A preliminary design is currently being created for the temporary structure, according to Essex Highways. 

The cross-border planning application is still awaiting a decision after formal plans were first submitted in 2022. 

Problems with the bridge were identified four years earlier in 2018 following an inspection which found that the bridge was displaying signs of distress including corrosion, delamination, deformation and cracking. 

Essex Highways believes the bridge is nearing the end of its natural lifespan. 

It is not known when a decision on the planning application will be made.