Land To The East Of Oakley Green West Auckland Bishop Auckland DL14 9JF

Proposal

Provide an essential section of the walking and cycling route which will run along the former Stockton and Darlington Railway. Installation of a bridge structure and associated approach slopes for pedestrian and cycle use. Approach slopes, supported by reinforced earth embankments, connect into existing footpaths and public rights of way to the north and the south of the River Gaunless along the alignment of the former S&DR route. A new bridge structure, covering a length of 42.51 metres, is proposed to cross the River Gaunless and be constructed on the existing historic former Gaunless Bridge stone abutments. This bridge will provide a deck width of just under 3 metres which is safe for walking and cycling and will reinstate the connection between the land to the north and south of the river. The proposed bridge parapets will sit at a safe height of 1.1 metres. Atop the parapet, a top railing has been designed to be independent of the parapet arrangement, this will sit at a height of 1.5 metres. At the mid-point of the river, the deck will sit approximately 5 metres clear of the river. The deck is secured by weathered steel angle sections, welded along the top edge of the beams. The proposed bridge foundation design includes bored concrete piles at three locations within each abutment. The piled foundations will ensure that the new bridge will be a self-supporting structure and be fit for use. Approach slopes are proposed at each end of the bridge structure to provide a level ramped access to connect to the existing footpaths and land to the north and south of the Site, and the wider S&DR route. These slopes have been designed to have a 1:20 gradient which is compliant for use by cyclists, pedestrians and wheelchair users. These slopes will be formed using an earth retaining system, presented in a terraced form. A compacted gravel surface is to be used within the wider Scheme, is proposed to be used on the approach slopes and footpaths.