Local News · Salisbury
Salisbury's Shady Bower footbridge to remain closed until late November
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Urgent maintenance on the Shady Bower railway footbridge means the crossing will remain closed to pedestrians until at least 23 November.
Commuters and residents in Salisbury face continued disruption to their daily journeys as the Shady Bower railway footbridge remains closed for urgent repairs. The bridge, which serves as a vital pedestrian link between the city centre, Shady Bower and Laverstock, is not expected to reopen until at least 23 November.
Network Rail Wessex and South Western Railway have confirmed that the bridge must remain shut to allow maintenance teams to work safely on the structure. This work has been scheduled to coincide with periods when the railway line itself is closed.
The current closure has caused significant frustration for local residents and pupils who rely on the bridge for school commutes. Pedestrians are currently being diverted away from the footbridge, a change that has highlighted concerns regarding accessibility. Local residents have reported that the designated diversionary route is significantly steeper than the standard crossing, creating challenges for those with mobility issues or those who struggle with uneven or demanding paths.
Network Rail has indicated that the repair programme is slated to begin on 16 November. Officials have stressed that this timeline is conditional, with the reopening date of 23 November dependent on work commencing as planned. In a statement, a spokesperson for the rail authorities expressed regret for the ongoing inconvenience caused to the local community and reaffirmed their commitment to completing the necessary safety improvements as quickly as possible.
Residents are advised to factor the longer diversion route into their travel plans until the bridge is reopened to the public.
Source: Salisbury Journal — Salisbury · View original