Sustrans, the charity responsible for the National Cycle Network, has announced the successful installation of a new bridge on the Lias Line across the Oxford Road (A423) near Marton.

Weighing in at 50 tonnes, it was lifted into place by contractors during the early hours of Saturday morning, marking a major step forward in the transformation of the former railway route.

Built by NuSteel in Kent, and installed by Currall Lewis and Martin, the bridge measures 34m in length and 4m in width.

It replaces an older overbridge on the route which was previously demolished for highway safety reasons. There is now a safe, and continuous path, which is the latest phase of the Connecting Communities: Rugby to Leamington project that will ultimately form part of Route 41 of the National Cycle Network.

The new bridge weighs 50 tonnes (Image by Sustrans/Andrew Crozier Insight Photography)

This latest milestone is part of a long-term initiative to improve the Lias Line, National Cycle Route 41, in Warwickshire.

The latest improvements have been carried out in partnership with Warwickshire County Council and Warwick District Council using funding secured from the government's Active Travel Fund.

It follows previous improvements to the 'branch line' of the Lias Line, which were funded by the Department for Transport.

For years, the Lias Line was a disused railway line. However, since 2021 it has undergone a series of improvements by Sustrans as part of its 'Paths for Everyone' programme.

This was initiated after a 2018 review of the National Cycle Network identified that the existing on-road route of NCN 41 was not suitable for all users.

These improvements have created nearly 8km of off-road route with a sealed surface, providing safer and more accessible and wheeling routes through the countryside. The route has also become Warwickshire's longest greenway, a rich habitat for many species, which users of the route can enjoy.

Commenting on the improvements, Clare Maltby, Sustrans' England Director for the Midlands and East, said: "The installation of this bridge is a key milestone in our efforts to create a greener and safer National Cycle Network that is for everyone.

"By transforming the Lias Line into an accessible, off-road route, we are not only improving safety for cyclists and walkers but also encouraging more sustainable travel options in Warwickshire.

"We're grateful for the support of partners and look forward to completing the next phases of this exciting project."

The improvements have used funding from the government's active travel fund (Image by Sustrans/Andrew Crozier Insight Photography)

While the new bridge marks progress, there is still more to come.

Next year HS2 will commence work constructing the new bridge over the Fosse Way, which will connect the Lias Line with the Offchurch Greenway.

When this is complete, the National Cycle Network will be re-routed onto the new off-road section significantly improving the safety and accessibility of the route.

Future phases of the project, which are dependent on securing additional funding, aim to further improve the route east towards Birdingbury, and towards Stockton Reservoir in the south.

These final stages will help realise the vision of a "high-quality, traffic-free link" connecting Rugby and Leamington Spa, offering both a "practical commuting route and a scenic path for leisure".

Please visit www.sustrans.org.uk for more information.