Chelmsford’s new landmark road bridge opens

Bow Bridge Road was opened on Friday 11 July 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. 

Those involved in the planning and delivery of Bow Bridge Road came together to celebrate the opening of the road and bridge

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.’

After the opening, there was time to enjoy Chelmsford's new landmark

Andrew Henry, Contracts Director at GRAHAM, the contractor delivering the bridge and new road, said: 

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“We're immensely proud to have successfully delivered this iconic bridge project for Chelmsford City Council. By focusing on efficient design and sustainable construction methods, we've created infrastructure that is both functional and visually striking and supports Chelmsford's vision for urban regeneration while minimising environmental impact.”

Andrew Henry, Contracts Director at GRAHAM

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.

Improving access to waterside homes

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 new access road and bridge give better access to the new neighbourhood of Chelmer Waterside

Regeneration plans for Chelmer Waterside

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.

Commenting on the importance of this project, Councillor Stephen Robinson, Leader of Chelmsford City Council said:

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“Today marks a substantial step forward in the regeneration of this important city centre site. Bow Bridge Road is a significant element of the infrastructure needed to unlock new areas of Chelmer Waterside, helping the council to deliver new homes and a better-connected community. Investment in infrastructure of this kind – in advance of development - supports the long-term growth and sustainability of new neighbourhoods like Chelmer Waterside and I want to thank the whole project team for helping us to accomplish this remarkable achievement.”

Cllr Stephen Robinson, Leader of Chelmsford City Council

The installation of the new bridge has been funded by a mix of contributions from the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund, Section 106 funding from Taylor Wimpey, and other developer contributions which have been collected specifically to be spent on infrastructure.

Housing-led development for Chelmsford

With plans for around an additional 1,000 new homes, 35% of which will be sought as affordable housing, new green spaces and local amenities on the site, work at Chelmer Waterside can now move into the next phase.

Housing developer Taylor Wimpey has already completed over 446 homes in the area. More sites around this initial phase of development are now to follow.

Work is also underway by Cadent to relocate high-pressure gas mains, which is due to be completed next March, and some further land remediation will take place on the former brownfield site too.

Speaking about the plans for Chelmer Waterside, Councillor Lynne Foster, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Chelmsford said:

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“Important infrastructure projects like Bow Bridge Road are essential to realising the potential of Chelmer Waterside. This is an exciting opportunity to create a vibrant, new neighbourhood with a range of local facilities in an area that has been overlooked for many years. Chelmsford needs new homes and I’m delighted the completion of Bow Bridge Road will allow us to push ahead with the housing-led development planned for this area.”

Cllr Lynne Foster, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Chelmsford