An English town has installed a six-metre swing bridge whose deck contains the equivalent of 140 recycled plastic bottles per square metre and can be manually opened for passing boats. The new structure, officially named Bushey Fox Bridge, was lifted into position by crane at Wichelstowe in Swindon as part of an ongoing multi-million-pound scheme to restore the historic Wilts & Berks Canal. According to an announcement published by Swindon Borough Council on Monday, 13 July 2026, the installation marks a major milestone in completing a new 600-metre stretch of waterway running south from the Wichelstowe district centre before turning east toward Mill Lane.
Engineering a functional crossing
Fabricated off-site by specialist firm EKSPAN, the six-metre structure sits on supporting walls and landing points built by lead contractor Fox (Owmby) Ltd. The bridge is designed to remain locked in a closed position to carry pedestrians, wheelchair users, cyclists and towpath visitors across the channel. When a vessel approaches, canal users can unlock the structure and manually swing it open. The mechanism rotates on a bearing system, allowing the deck to rest inside a specially engineered shelf along the canal bank while water traffic passes. Environmental considerations formed a core part of the design. The composite deck material incorporates recycled plastic, while the canal itself has been widened at the junction to allow boats enough clearance to turn around. Outside the engineered zones near the crossings, soft canal edges have been built to foster natural habitats for local wildlife, including water voles. Funding for the swing bridge is part of a wider investment exceeding £5m directed into the canal extension and the nearby Badgers Bridge road crossing. The entire scheme is being delivered through a joint venture partnership between Swindon Borough Council and developer Barratt Developments PLC.
Local heritage and long-term development
The bridge draws its name from two distinct sources: the historic Bushey Leaze crossing that once stood on the original canal route, and Fox (Owmby) Ltd, the contractor responsible for executing the build. Similarly, the neighbouring road bridge was named Badgers Bridge to reflect a historic crossing point previously located in the immediate area. Councillor Matty Courtliff, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Property, highlighted the project’s contribution to the region’s broader urban plan. “The installation of Bushey Fox Bridge is another exciting milestone for Wichelstowe and the restoration of the Wilts & Berks Canal,” Courtliff said. “This project demonstrates the quality and ambition of the development, creating infrastructure that is not only practical but also enhances the character of the area for residents and visitors alike.” He added: “The canal has always been a key part of the vision for Wichelstowe. Seeing this new section take shape, complete with its unique swing bridge, is a fantastic example of the progress being made and the long-term investment being delivered through our partnership with Barratt Developments. As well as supporting future canal use, the bridge and surrounding canal corridor will provide an attractive environment for walking, cycling and enjoying nature for many years to come.” The infrastructure works are tied directly to the Wichelstowe housing expansion, recognized as one of the largest residential developments in the South West of England. Upon full completion, the site will accommodate up to 4,500 new homes alongside employment land, schools, community facilities, leisure space and connected green corridors.
Weather dependencies and next steps
Construction on the canal channel progressed steadily through the spring and summer months due to favorable ground conditions. However, project leads emphasize that the next phase of the waterway restoration remains tied to seasonal weather patterns. Rob Powe, Development Manager for Wichelstowe LLP, outlined the operational timeline and the environmental conditions required to finalize the stretch. “We have been able to make fantastic progress on the canal and bridge works this spring and summer and we are delighted to hit this milestone,” Powe said. “Canal construction is always very weather dependent with dry, but not too dry, conditions required to dig the canal channel and then rain needed to fill up the canal this winter.” With the Bushey Fox Bridge now resting on its bearings, earthworks along the 600-metre section will continue through the remainder of the dry season ahead of the anticipated winter filling.
