The renowned Sutton Harbour swing bridge, a frequented pedestrian connection between Plymouth Barbican and Coxside-Sutton Harbour, will be inaccessible starting today, Monday, January 8, 2024. The closure stems from ongoing repair and safety work mandated by the Environment Agency, impacting the daily travels of both residents and visitors.
The footbridge, facilitating a convenient waterway crossing from Plymouth Barbican to the National Marine Aquarium in Coxside, will remain shut until the walkway replacement concludes. Pedestrians seeking passage from the Barbican or in the opposite direction must detour around Sutton Harbour during this period.
Contractors enlisted by the Environment Agency will be conducting repair and safety operations on the footbridge from January 8 to January 15, 2024. This week-long closure aims to facilitate the removal of the existing walkway, promptly replaced. Additionally, crucial maintenance will be performed on the ‘stop log’ beneath the walkway.
These measures are part of a broader initiative focused on enhancing the lock gates, vital components serving as flood defences for Sutton Harbour. The ongoing Sutton Harbour lock gate repair project, a collaborative effort between the Environment Agency and the Sutton Harbour Company, with funding from the UK government, underscores the commitment to fortify Plymouth’s coastal defences.
The footbridge, usually enabling access to destinations like the National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth Fisheries, and Rockfish restaurant, forces individuals to take an alternative route during the closure. They must circumvent Sutton Harbour via the cobbled path, a detour demanding additional time.
In a recent social media post, Sutton Harbour explained, “The walkway over the Sutton Harbour pedestrian footbridge is being replaced as part of the lock gates repair and refurbishment project conducted by the Environment Agency. Works are scheduled from January 8 – 15, 2024, during which the footbridge will be closed with no pedestrian access.”
The Sutton Harbour lock gates repair project, initiated in September 2023, operates in two phases. While crucial for reinforcing the tidal barrage and ensuring long-term flood protection for Plymouth, the project has posed challenges. Locals relying on access to Fish Quay via the lock gates have faced disruptions during the ongoing repairs.
Expected to continue until June 2024, the comprehensive lock gates repair project aims to safeguard homes and businesses in the Sutton Harbour and Barbican area from future flooding. The temporary closure of the pedestrian footbridge until January 15, 2024, is an inconvenience for many, but it is a crucial step in ensuring the continued resilience of Plymouth’s coastal defences.
Despite the inconvenience caused by the closure, residents and visitors alike understand the importance of these essential repairs. The Sutton Harbour lock gates repair project represents a significant investment in the region’s safety and resilience against the ever-present threat of flooding. Local authorities are urging patience and cooperation during this period, assuring that the upgraded footbridge will enhance safety and accessibility for years to come.
As the repairs progress, the pedestrian footbridge is anticipated to reopen on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, signaling the completion of this phase of the lock gates repair and refurbishment project. Until then, those navigating the area are encouraged to plan their routes accordingly, utilizing alternative pathways and staying informed about any updates regarding the project’s timeline.
In the face of short-term inconvenience, Plymouth remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding its coastal communities and maintaining the resilience of its infrastructure. The closure of the Sutton Harbour pedestrian footbridge serves as a testament to the city’s dedication to long-term safety and environmental sustainability.
