One of the most important and iconic parts of the local cycle network has been in the local news recently.
The Ferry Bridge over the River Trent takes NCN 63 in and out of Burton and along with the adjoining Stapenhill Viaduct provides a valuable traffic-free route into Burton.
The bridge is in a poor state of repair and a close look at it really brings this home. On the positive side the new Leader of East Staffordshire Borough Council has raised the profile of the issue with several meetings with users, who themselves have set up a Friends of the Ferry Bridge group on Facebook - see link below. Work is due to start soon.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/278606155635034/
From a National Cycle Network point of view the bridge is a vital link. The only possible diversion would involve using the extremely busy St Peters' Bridge and the busy roundabout on approach. Whilst the footpath on one side is wide the surface is poor and it is not marked for shared use.
Aside the above issues, the Ferry Bridge is a unique structure that deserves to be restored to its former glory and provides a great first impression of Burton and access to the Washlands.
Updates on progress will be posted when appropriate. One of several items in the local press is attached in the link below:
http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/News/Bridge-will-be-brought-back-to-what-it-once-was-20140415171743.htm
Cyclists familiar with the bridge will know that Staffordshire County Council made some temporary repairs to the surface of the bridge over a year ago and installed "Cyclists Dismount" signs. After some time had elapsed, I enquired via the County Council how long the "temporary" surface would be present and whether the dismount signs could be changed for "Dismount at Busy Periods" or "Give Way to Pedestrians" as there are some who could benefit from this instruction. I was met by a stony email silence.
