Southall is set to benefit from a new pedestrian and cycle bridge across the railway after the council’s cabinet approved nearly £5 million of funding for the scheme.

The new footbridge on Merrick Road will provide a safe and convenient route for cyclists and pedestrians to cross the railway line, making it quicker and safer to get from north to south.

Currently cyclists and pedestrians have to take a much longer route, using the busy South Road bridge. The new bridge will encourage walking and cycling by providing a safer and more pleasant traffic-free crossing. It replaces an old foot bridge which is now in disrepair and has been closed for many years.

The bridge, which is part of the Southall Big Plan, will include lifts and ramps to ensure it is accessible to wheelchair users, bikes and pushchairs. Detailed designs are still being drawn up, but they will include landscaping as well as high quality lighting and CCTV.

Pat Hayes, Executive Director for Regeneration and Housing, said: "There are an increasing number of new developments north and south of the railway, so it’s a priority to develop a safer route for pedestrians and cyclists."

"By providing this traffic-free bridge more people will be able to walk or cycle safely to school and work. This bridge is part of the transport plan for Southall which also includes the widening of South Road bridge, a new Crossrail station and junction improvements."

The project will be funded using £3.45 million section 106 money contributed by developers as part of their planning agreements, £1 million council capital funding and £0.5 million from the Heathrow Airport Transport Fund.

The decision was made by the Council's cabinet at its meeting on Tuesday, 22 March. All cabinet decisions are subject to call in for a period of five working days from the date of publication of the minutes of the meeting.