Sidmouth's bridge to move upstream

Replacement for Alma over Sid

Devon County Council has submitted plans to itself - it's how these things work - for a replacement bridge over the River Sid. 

The new structure will cost three quarters of a million pounds and will lie upstream to the existing Alma Bridge, which is 130 years old and in poor condition. A temporary structure over it was installed in 2012, but because of coastal erosion that's not expected to last too much longer.

Expect six months of disruption at the eastern end of Sidmouth seafront if the council agrees with itself and gives itself approval go ahead. Whilst construction takes place, seafront recreation ground the Ham could be fenced-off, while the Hanger Path, the current footpath leading up to Cliff Road will be closed. 

Sidmouth Town Council, the Devon Countryside Access Forum, East Devon Ramblers, Devon Public Rights of Way team, South West Coast Path team and the Devon Safety Audit were all consulted on the plans prior to the plans being submitted and a public exhibition on the scheme was held in April.

Cllr Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council cabinet member with responsibility for bridges and county councillor for Sidmouth, says: “A lot of thought and effort has gone into the design of this bridge to ensure it’s accessible to all users as well as being an attractive addition to this end of the town.”

A date for Devon County Council to consider its own application has yet to be set.