Newstead Road bridge

The Newstead Road bridge has become a centrepiece of the Rodwell Trail and makes it easier for walkers and cyclists to use the route everyday.

Sustrans has funded this route as part of their UK-wide 'Connect2' schemes to create networks for everyday journeys for people travelling by foot or by bike which are being created using a £50 million Big Lottery Fund grant after the UK public voted the scheme the winner of The People's Millions Lottery contest in December 2007.

Weymouth Connect2 is a collaborative project between Dorset County Council, Sustrans, Weymouth & Portland Borough Council, the Cyclist Touring Club and Dorset Cyclist's Network. The scheme was originally proposed by Ken Reed of the Cyclist Touring Club and has been extensively supported by the local community including the Access Group, Friends of the Rodwell Trail, West Weymouth Conservation Society, and the MS Society.

The bridge is fully accessible with improved ramp access for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The new shared-use path will benefit all ages and abilities.

Thank you to all those involved in the scheme, from the bid through to completion.

Opening celebration

To celebrate the completion of the walking and cycling bridge a community event was held on Sunday 6 May.

Thank you to all those who helped organise the fantastic event, and to all those who attended to help make the official opening a great success.

Please contact the project team if you require any further information.

• Background

  Newstead Road bridge was funded by Sustrans and Dorset County Council.

• Connect2 Portrait Bench

  In 2010, Weymouth and Portland residents were asked to choose three local heroes to be celebrated in a Connect2 'Portrait Bench'.

• Management Engineer
  Name: Emma Baker
  Email: E.Baker@dorsetcc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 228257
  Full details for Emma Baker