'Risk to life' - Cliff fall compromises Sidmouth bridge work

A cliff fall at Pennington Point yesterday (March 15) has compromised access to the Alma Bridge project and poses a 'risk to life', according to a county councillor.

East Devon District Council (EDDC) is aware of the damage done by the cliff fall and is organising a meeting with stakeholders to decide what to do next.

A spokesperson for EDDC said: "Part of Pennington Point has collapsed and the debris from the fall has settled in around the rocks. We are meeting with Devon County Council engineers working on the bridge site to discuss the access path. We'll update further when we know more."

Speaking yesterday Sidmouth County Councillor Stuart Hughes said: "As predicted Pennington Point cliff fall this morning and now the old Alma Bridge abutment and access onto it is compromised. Sidmouth has requested Devon County Council bridge engineers to close access as there is now a risk to life."

To find out more about the Alma Bridge project click here.

The new footbridge, spanning 20 metres over the River Sid, will replace the historic Alma Bridge designed by local architect R.W. Sampson in the early 1900s. It will be around 40 metres upstream of the existing structure.

Relatively short sections of ramp, matching the gradients of the Hanger Path, will connect to the bridge which will provide continued access to the seafront for residents east of the town.

A seating and viewing area will be provided on the upper section on the east side.

At the location of the existing Alma Bridge, a seating area and information board will be provided on the west side to commemorate and mark the position of the previous bridges which have been in place for over 100 years.

The existing structure will be closed for the duration of the work, with a signed inland diversion route.

The scheme is expected to be completed by Spring 2020, it is unclear how this most recent cliff fall will impact the completion date.