Sidmouth's new Alma bridge opens

Eight years after old one damaged

Sidmouth’s new footbridge to replace the old Alma Bridge has been officially opened.

The original bridge, which dated from the early 1900s, was damaged during floods in 2012, and was removed in May this year. The new 19-metre span bridge and viewing areas are 40 metres inland from the original structure.

Cllr Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council cabinet member for highway management and county councillor for Sidmouth, said: “It’s nice to see this project come to fruition after working on getting a new bridge for many years. This is a fitting replacement for the Alma Bridge. It maintains vital access to the seafront for residents east of the town, as well as providing the gateway to the South West Coast Path which is extremely important for the town.

“The location of the original bridge unfortunately meant that it was always on borrowed time and we would need to look at a crossing further inland. A lot of work has gone into the design and construction of this new structure and it’s a major achievement.”

Cllr Stuart Barker, chairman of Devon County Council, said: “This is a very impressive new asset for the town and its design means it is accessible for everyone. The project has been a big undertaking, with cliff re-profiling and stabilisation work alongside the construction of the structure itself.

“This new bridge will maintain an essential link to the South West Coast Path, which provides significant economic benefit for the town. I think everyone involved in this project can be proud of what has been achieved.”

Cllr Ian Barlow, chairman of Sidmouth Town Council, said: “This is a great way to start the enhancement of not just the Ham, but the Eastern end of our seafront, and hopefully it will be a catalyst to further the regeneration of this underused area and bring it up to the high standards we have become accustomed in the rest of the town.”

Access to the bridge from both sides is via short sections of relatively steep ramp, to ensure accessibility. The gradient of the access ramps match the average gradient of Hanger path on the east side.

The Ham recreational area adjacent to the site will remain closed until the spring to provide time for turfing to become established