A bridleway in Northamptonshire has seen the addition of two new mounting blocks on a bridge across a motorway in an effort to make it safer for horses and riders.
The mounting blocks have been installed at either end of the bridge, which crosses the M1 at Yelvertoft, due to concerns about the height of the bridge’s parapet. Riders are now able to dismount and lead their horses across the bridge before using the blocks to remount.
National Highways funded the scheme, which cost £53,000, using money from its Users and Communities Fund, a designated fund which allows the organisation to deliver benefits above and beyond building, maintaining and operating England’s strategic roads, after being approached by the British Horse Society (BHS).
“This bridge over the M1 at Yelvertoft is on a well-used bridleway but with it having a lower parapet than some other motorway bridges, we didn’t want equestrians to feel at risk when riding their horses over,” said project manager Matthew Palmer.
Environmentally friendly
“After talking to the British Horse Society we designed and installed these mounting blocks at either end so riders can dismount, lead their horse over then easily get back on again to continue their journey.
“National Highways encourages healthy and sustainable travel so we were grateful for the support and advice of the BHS in delivering this already popular facility.”
The mounting blocks were made from oak sleepers and include a rail to help riders mount and dismount. Boundary fencing has also been realigned to allow riders to easily approach the blocks.
“This is making a huge difference for local horse riders who will feel more confident to be able to use this beautiful bridleway and not have the bridge presenting a barrier to their access to the countryside,” said Mark Weston, director of access at the BHS.
“Now there’s a successful blueprint for this type of project, we hope it might be something we can see in similar locations.”
Images © National Highways.
