Replacing Castle Cornet bridge expected to cost up to £7m.
Replacing the Castle Cornet bridge is set to cost between £6m. and £7m. and the work could be completed within three years.
The structure, which dates back to the 1950s, has been suffering corrosion, leading to repeated inspections to ensure it was still safe. It is the only land link to the castle, which is a leading tourist attraction as well as home to several flats, and to the breakwater lighthouse.
The States Trading Supervisory Board is proposing a like-for-like structure, which would have a lifespan of more than 50 years.
Its plans were detailed in a policy letter published yesterday.
‘During this assessment of options, the like-for-like replacement of the structure with design improvements emerged as the overwhelming first choice,’ said STSB president Peter Roffey.
‘Not only does it have the shortest anticipated delivery time, lowest base cost, least risk cost and lowest optimism bias, it is likely to secure planning approval and require little more than scheduled maintenance for half a century to come.’
If work was not carried out, the bridge would ultimately need to close due to risk of collapse.
‘Access to Castle Cornet is vital to sustain its economic model and its use as a public resource,’ said Deputy Roffey.
‘The bridge also provides access to the Castle Breakwater, which helps provide safe waters within the harbour, and the Castle Lighthouse, which provides navigational assistance to the maritime community as well as being a local point of interest.’
It is expected that the project will be completed by the end of 2026.
It is currently estimated to cost between £6m. and 7m., which includes funds for the continued monitoring of the bridge for safe use until the replacement is completed.
The renovation of the Castle Cornet bridge was included in the June 2022 Government Work Plan Update and approved by the States as a ‘must do’ infrastructure project, with an ‘in principle’ funding of £5m. and £10m.
Access underneath the bridge is currently restricted and there is a cordon in place at beach level, which the public should not cross due to the risk of spalling concrete.
