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Residents are invited to share their views on the proposal.
A public consultation is set to open regarding plans to reopen Boxted Bridge to pedestrians and cyclists.
The bridge was closed in June 2023 after an inspection revealed its condition had severely deteriorated, making it unsafe to use.
Following tests last September to assess how much weight the bridge could currently withstand, Essex County Council is now proposing a limited reopening of the bridge to pedestrians and cyclists only.
A consultation will be launched on Thursday 22 January 2026 and will run until Thursday 12 February 2026. Responses to this will help shape the next steps.
If the proposal moves forward, plans will be developed on the safest way to re-open the bridge for pedestrians and cyclists as soon as possible in the near future. As well as opening the bridge for pedestrians and cyclists, the waterway under the bridge will also be opened as soon as possible.
The load test carried out on the bridge in September found that the bridge’s structural damage made it unsafe for vehicles to cross. However, it found the bridge could accommodate a path for pedestrians and cyclists.
Councillor Mark Platt, Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure, and Sustainable Transport at Essex County Council, said: “The safety of our roads and structures in Essex is our highest priority, and Boxted Bridge is no exception. Load testing has found that the bridge can safely be reopened to cyclists and pedestrians but must remain closed to vehicles.
“By reopening the bridge to cyclists and pedestrians, we can keep users of the bridge safe, while maintaining the existing structure.
“We know how important Boxted Bridge is for local connectivity and I would encourage residents and other users to tell us their views of our proposal during the consultation.
“Their feedback will help us ensure the solution meets local needs and preserves the character of the bridge in the Dedham Vale National Landscape.”
Details of the Traffic Regulation Order and how to take part in the consultation, which is published and open for comment from Thursday 22 January, will be available on our Traffic Regulation Orders page.
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