Southall's Merrick Road Footbridge Finally Reopens
New structure provides better access to Elizabeth Line Station
The new Merrick Road Footbridge. Picture: Ealing Council
December 8, 2022
The new Merrick Road Footbridge was officially opened in Southall earlier this month (1 December).
The new bridge replaces an older one which has been out of service for a number of years and reopens a vital route across the railway right next to Southall Station.
It has been specifically designed to support cyclists, with a ‘Dutch ramp’ allowing bikes to be easily wheeled up and down the flights of stairs, alongside lighting and CCTV to make everyone feel as safe as possible.
Introduction of lifts and disabled access is also planned for the bridge and the council says it will update local people as soon as possible on these plans.
The project was funded by the council with support from the Mayor of London, and partners.
Ealing Council leader Peter Mason and deputy leader and cabinet member for climate action, Deirdre Costigan, joined with the local community, the Let’s Go Southall initiative, Transport for London (TfL), and partners in Southall to mark the opening.
Local cyclists from Let’s Go Southall join Councillor Mason on the first trip across the footbridge following its official opening. Let’s Go Southall offers wide-ranging support for Southall residents who want to be more physically active.
This includes offering free bikes, regular cycling training and maintenance to local people participating.
Councillor Mason said, “This is a long-awaited moment, but we made this footbridge a priority to deliver for people in Southall and now, it is open.
“This vital link across the train line, between the north and south of the area, has been specifically designed for people getting around on foot, or by bike and is a safe and quiet route, away from the main road.”
The opening of the Merrick Road Footbridge coincides with the launch of a new consultation designed to give anyone working, living or travelling in Southall a say in the council’s active travel plans in the area.
There are plenty of ways to get involved and you can have your say via an online consultation, which runs until 14 January 2023.
Councillor Costigan said, “This footbridge is just one of a number of improvements we are introducing to make walking and cycling safer and easier.
“At the heart of all our plans for active travel are local people. This is where you live, where you work, and it is only right that you have a say in what happens in your local neighbourhood.
“That is why we have launched the Southall Active Travel consultation. We want to understand what stops you from walking, cycling, and using public transport – and what you need, here in Southall, so that you’ll feel you can leave your car at home for those shorter journeys.”
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