The Widewater Lagoon area reopened today (Monday, 29 March) following a bridge replacement scheme which has made the coastal nature reserve and Lancing’s beach more accessible.
The previous, timber bridge had degraded beyond repair. It has been replaced with one made from a special fibreglass material and with a slope that makes it more suitable for people with disabilities, including wheelchair users.
The new bridge is made from Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP). FRP is lighter than alternative building materials, which meant the new bridge could be constructed off-site and a crane used to lift it into position. Ongoing costs are far cheaper, too, as there is no need for re-painting and the material does not rot.
The project was funded by Adur District Council and West Sussex County Council through developer contributions (Section 106 funds) and the principal contractor for the scheme was Landbuild Ltd.
The bridge’s reopening will be marked with a suitable event which reflects the many partner organisations involved in the project. This will be at a later date, when Covid-19 restrictions allow.
Widewater Lagoon is an area of brackish water, landlocked by a man-made shingle bank. It is home to herons, swans, geese and many other wildfowl.
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