Estepona Footbridge to receive major accessibility upgrade following decades of service

Residents of Costa del Sol will soon be able to enjoy safer and more convenient crossings, thanks to the recent approval for improvements at a pedestrian bridge.

Campaign to build the crossing

Stella Bosworth, who worked for a British travel company in 1984, spotted dangerous dangers along the busy A-7 highway. Her call to action led to the development of plans for a pedestrian bridge near residential areas. Alan James, then her boss and a prominent British developer, chairman of The Experience Group and the former head of The Experience Group stepped in and funded and completed the structure within six month when public support was stalled. This elevated walkway, which links communities on either side of the busy motorway, has been protecting countless people ever since.

New ramps transform access

Permission is now granted for the full upgrade of accessibility. Oscar Puente has given the go-ahead for the construction to begin. This is what normally falls under the Ministry of Transport. Concrete access ramps will be built on both sides with a gradient maximum of 12.5%. All users will have easy access to the A-7, including those with reduced mobility and parents pushing strollers. After more than three years, the local council will pay for all construction costs. The technical details were developed with the help of nearby residents and property owners.

Better connections for communities

El Paraiso et Benamara will directly benefit from improved links on the motorway. The daily journeys for hundreds of families in the Estepona suburbs are now easier. Families will be able to travel freely between homes and shops as well as leisure spots, without relying upon steep stairs. This project builds upon the bridge’s life-saving original purpose and reflects on ongoing efforts to support the growing population in the area.

Construction is expected to begin in the near term. The 1980s original bridge built of mixed concrete and metal beams on steel supports will be retained, but modern features added for universal use.

Alan James and Stella Bosworth’s early commitment continues to shape safer transportation for future generations. Their story reminds us that individual will combined with community support can create lasting infrastructure. Local users are relieved at the progress made in establishing inclusive crossings to strengthen local ties.