Bridleway improved for horse riders thanks to National Highways

A popular Northamptonshire bridleway has just got even better thanks to the installation of horse rider mounting blocks on a bridge over the M1 at Yelvertoft.

National Highways agreed to fund the work through its Users and Communities fund after being approached by The British Horse Society (BHS), who were concerned about the height of the bridge’s parapet compared to some other bridges and asked for blocks so riders could dismount and walk over the bridge easily.

With advice from the BHS, strong and environmentally friendly blocks were designed using oak sleepers along with a rail to help equestrians mount and dismount. Fencing was also aligned to allow the riders to easily merge towards the blocks.

Project manager Matthew Palmer said, “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.

“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 scheme cost £53,000 and was completed last week after three weeks work, including extensive vegetation clearance, the realignment of boundary fencing, and installation of two new signs.

Mark Weston, Director of Access at the BHS added, “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.

“Now there’s a successful blueprint for this type of project, we hope it might be something we can see in similar locations.”

National Highways manages four Designated Funds to deliver benefits above and beyond building, maintaining and operating England’s strategic roads.

From protecting the environment and enhancing the landscape around roads, to improving safety, reducing congestion, and supporting communities, the aim is to make a positive difference to people’s lives.

Elsewhere in the Midlands National Highways’ Designated Funds has also enabled a habitat restoration scheme by the National Trust at Weir Gardens in Herefordshire and a grassland and the Stafford Brooks environmental conservation scheme being delivered by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. 

Notes to Editors

• Designated Funds gives extra value to our stakeholders and communities and goes beyond the work we undertake as a road operator. ​
• We specifically focus on themes and activities that can enhance road users and communities’ experiences on or near to the Strategic Road Network (SRN). ​
• We deliver schemes allocated to four funding streams focused on making improvements that will make the biggest difference and deliver lasting benefits, including Safety, Environment, Customer & Communities, Innovation & Research