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Bridge Over Troubled Water: Piano Cover by Francesco Parrino (YouTube)
Chelmsford’s new landmark road bridge opens
By Claire Snewin 11 July 2025
Bow Bridge Road was opened on Friday 11 July, 2025, paving the way for the next phase of works on the city’s new waterside quarter.
The new bridge and access road have been installed to provide better access to the new homes that will be built on the city’s largest brownfield site, which has been earmarked for the development of an exciting new urban neighbourhood.
Bow Bridge Road was formally opened by the Mayor of Chelmsford, Councillor Jannetta Sosin with representatives from those involved in the planning and delivery of Bow Bridge Road present. The 50m span bridge, which was designed by engineers at Buro Happold, is a bowstring-arch structure made of Corten steel, which is naturally deep red in colour.
The design reflects the former industrial heritage of the area, while creating a new local landmark and retaining the scenic views along the river.
Already being recognised for its innovative design, Bow Bridge has been shortlisted as the road bridge project of the year at the New Civil Engineers Bridges Awards.
The bridge was nominated for its unique design which ‘promotes active travel while seamlessly integrating flood solutions with aesthetic appeal.
’Work on the bridge and access road was completed on schedule in spring 2025 and has since been going through the vigorous safety and traffic management checks that are required of all new pieces of infrastructure of this kind.
The new access road and bridge will span the River Chelmer, linking Wharf Road and Parkway, alongside the Essex Record Office.
Pedestrians, cyclists and drivers will be able to use Bow Bridge Road, creating easier access for residents to the growing Chelmer Waterside neighbourhood.
The new road and bridge allows cars to cross this part of the river for the first time in decades , and traffic will be managed with width restrictions and a 20mph speed limit to prevent the route from becoming an unnecessary cut through.
New paths will also connect the bridge to the city’s cycle network offering picturesque routes to and from the city while boats will be able to pass under the bridge, opening up the River Chelmer waterway.
The opening of Bow Bridge Road marks a key milestone in the transformation of a former brownfield site which has been allocated for housing-led development in the Local Plan.
Located just a short walk from the city centre, the plans for Chelmer Waterside aim to breathe new life into the former industrial site and create an attractive urban neighbourhood which makes the most of Chelmsford’s waterways.