National Highways have made the decision to close the footbridge from Bagshot to Lightwater over the M3 with immediate effect from 3rd October for safety reasons.
This follows National Highways’ structural assessment of the footbridge on the 28th September, which identified significant structural defects. National Highways have stated that their intentions are to demolish the footbridge, rather than undertake repairs, and that it anticipates having fully constructed a replacement footbridge by autumn 2025.
Commenting, Michael said:
“I was hugely disappointed to learn of National Highways’ decision regarding this morning’s closure of the footbridge over the M3 from the Lighwater Country Park to Whitmoor Road in Bagshot.
"I am aware just how vital a link this footbridge is between Bagshot and Lightwater, and that its closure is a massive blow to local residents, particularly those using it to travel to and from work and school.
"Whilst I can very much appreciate National Highways has decided its closure is necessary due to apparent safety worries regarding the structural integrity of this bridge, I am concerned at why the decision seems to have been made with almost no forewarning, and that residents and local councillors have now been informed that it will take up to two years to be replaced.
"Residents are rightly hugely aggrieved at this news, especially given that the alternative routes for crossing the M3 are both a significant diversion, and of questionable safety themselves, which is especially worrying for parents of children walking to school in the darker, colder winter months.
"I also worry that this decision from National Highways will force residents who previously relied on the footbridge into their cars, further damaging the environment and worsening the already significant congestion issues along the M3 in Surrey Heath.
"In light of all of the above, I have urgently written to National Highways to ask when this decision was made, and for an explanation as to why residents, councillors, and I, were not informed earlier. Further to this, looking at the considerable disruption this closure will have on so many residents’ lives, I have explained that it is absolutely necessary that National Highways urgently explores measures to expedite a completion of a replacement footbridge as soon as possible.
"I am grateful to Cllr Rebecca Jennings-Evans for all of her work thus far, and have asked to speak to National Highways, with her and Cllr Richard Tear, as soon as possible to investigate further.”
