Blyth Bridge brings benefits to those enjoying Halesworth’s beautiful open space

A bridge providing a vital link to the largest Millennium Green in England officially opened last week following construction of the new structure by Suffolk Highways.

Blyth Bridge, also known as White Bridge, which connects parts of the Millennium Green in Halesworth was previously closed due to safety concerns raised by structural engineers.

Construction of the new bridge commenced in autumn 2024, but was not without its challenges, including work to successfully relocate water voles and remove the invasive weeds discovered in the riverbed.

The site also faced flooding following Storm Darragh last December, forcing works to be delayed whilst the water dissipated.

In addition to constructing the bridge, Suffolk Highways has installed a substructure at the bridge ends, including a new paved and stoned area.

Members of the local community congregated last Friday (21 February) to officially open the new bridge, which was completed in January 2025.

Cllr Paul West, Cabinet Member for Operational Highway, said: “Blyth Bridge is of great importance to the local community and a range of stakeholders with an interest in the structure, such as the Millenium Green Trust, Halesworth Town Council, East Suffolk Council, and the Environment Agency.

“As well as providing a footpath between the Millennium Green, a much-loved parcel of community land spanning over 55 acres, the bridge is also used by the Trust as an access route for the machinery required to maintain the green, such as essential mowing equipment.

“Suffolk Highways and its contractor has worked tirelessly to complete construction in challenging circumstances, and I would like to thank all those involved in the works for delivering a fantastic bridge which will bring benefits to those enjoying Suffolk’s beautiful green space for many years to come.”

Sal Jenkinson, Trustee of the Millennium Green Trust which manages Millennium Green, added: "The Green Trustees were very concerned about the state of the bridge and dismayed by the emergency closure because of its impact on our maintenance activities and on local residents.

“We appreciate that once the bridge's importance was realised this project was prioritised as far as possible, and once work finally started we were very impressed by the professionalism and patience of the contractors who had to face many challenges on site, consulted with us throughout the construction process and left the site in an immaculate state.

“The new bridge is immensely sturdy and will outlast all of us."

Blyth Bridge is the latest infrastructure structure project to be successfully completed by Suffolk Highways, following the recent construction of Place Bridge in Bardwell, which was officially opened last month, and the completion of repairs to Hempyard Bridge late last year.

Major infrastructure works are also ongoing to construct a new bridge on the A1088 at Ixworth and create a link road at Europa Way in Ipswich, with both projects set to open to the public next month.