We understand that East Sussex Highways' recommended future for Barcombe Bridge 🎩 involves underpinning and sympathetic repairs, with no change in weight limit. The cost estimate is ~£50K less than National Highways' 2021 infill scheme, adjusted for inflation. Good news for a Happy Christmas.

Such a positive scheme for community connectivity between two overlooked South Wales valleys. It's a daunting prospect given the scale of the asset, but the effort and ambition of the campaigners involved must be rewarded with practical support from those who can make it happen.

Graeme Bickerdike and how it was paid for...©railarchive.org.uk

At National Highways request, Essex Highways has implemented an emergency closure of the road over the three-arch Church Lane bridge, Stow Maries, following a recent inspection. It has an assessed capacity of 40t, but fractures are recorded in the brick side spans and spandrels.

This suggests we're in a better place, but there's more work to do.

Why? Would it really hurt them to be supportive in a case like this?

On the day a verdict has been reached in the #SycamoreGap case, it's worth noting that National Highways has awarded a £29K contract to AmcoGiffen for the planting of trees, in compensation for those it felled unlawfully during the 'emergency' infilling of #RudgateBridge, Tadcaster.

Not your typical pub ceiling.

We've finally been to visit this exceptional masonry arch bridge near Brechin which National Highways intended to infill despite it being needed for an extension to a nearby heritage railway. It's also protected by a Category B listing. What were they thinking? It's magnificent.

A last chance to visit #BarrowlandLaneBridge before National Highways seeks permission to get rid of it. The structure is not in good condition and there's occasional flooding beneath it, but both can be resolved without demolition. The bridge also has future repurposing potential.

Lots to unpack here. Whilst the threat to legacy structures has diminished considerably since the height of National Highways' infilling and demolition programme, we're a long way from these assets realising their potential for active travel. Culture change is still needed.

Hypnotic.

No words.

Graeme Bickerdike But they to subsidise electric cars, a massive missed opportunity, the cycling lobby needs to move up a few gears and get lobbying

In case anyone's in any doubt...

We've launched a crowdfunding appeal to raise £6,500 for the ‘pre-action stage’ of a Judicial Review of the Government's decision to spend £7.5M abandoning Queensbury Tunnel. We'd greatly appreciate any contribution you are able to make. crowdjustice.com/case/save-quee… Very many thanks.

You've gotta love a set of steps. These are in Ilkley.

Campaigner Graeme Bickerdike has been interviewed by Christian Wolmar for the latest edition of the Calling All Stations - the transport podcast. They discuss the ongoing battle for Queensbury Tunnel and reflect on National Highways' vandalism of legacy railway bridges. Worth a listen! markwalkerg.podbean.com/e/41-is-northe…

Our EngCoord Graeme Bickerdike has been interviewed by Christian Wolmar for the latest edition of the Calling All Stations - the transport podcast. They discuss the ongoing battle for Queensbury Tunnel and reflect on National Highways' vandalism of legacy railway bridges. Worth a listen! markwalkerg.podbean.com/e/41-is-northe…

Moved by Graeme Bickerdike's interview with Christian Wolmar on saving Queensbury Tunnel in our latest episode? Then check out this link from Transport Action Network on what you can do the help: actionnetwork.org/letters/minist…