Huge new bridge near M4 coming on 'leaps and bounds'

Badgers Bridge, located in Wichelstowe, will form part of the next phase of the Wilts and Berks Canal development, allowing the waterway to pass beneath a new stretch of road and paving the way for future extension.

The bridge will also bring significant change to the landscape of the M4, as it will serve a new road passing under the motorway and leading towards Studley Grange.

Work to build the bridge has been ongoing throughout 2026, with deep trenches first dug in February.

Now, new drone images show huge progress at the site, as drone photographer Jason Spickett says it has come on "leaps and bounds".

Progress is well underway at Badgers Bridge (Image: Jason Spickett)

Progress is well underway at Badgers Bridge (Image: Jason Spickett)

"Badgers Bridge and the pedestrian swing bridge are really starting to take shape," said the Swindon drone photographer, who has been capturing changes at the site since it began.

"You can also clearly see the line of the canal that will soon go under Mill Lane to connect up to East Wichel.

"In the Western direction, the canal will cross under the M4 and will connect up to other sections, some ready to go and some that require more input."

Badgers Bridge is part of a five-year plan by the Wilts & Berks Canal to eventually get the canal, which currently ends in Wichelstowe, to go all the way to Royal Wootton Bassett on the other side of the M4.

Construction is currently taking place adjacent to the M4 (Image: Jason Spickett)

Chloe Ford, chair of the Swindon Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, said: "The pace of the build has really stepped up a gear and the community following and positive embrace from the public has increased ten-fold."

She added: "The Canal has huge benefits for the community, wildlife and is a linear blue/green corridor for all.

"The Rushey Platt tow path is used heavily and enjoyed by many, I'm sure once completed this stretch will be loved also."

The original Wilts & Berks Canal opened in 1810 but was abandoned in 1914.

Volunteers have campaigned for years to bring sections back into use, with this new joint venture being carried out between the developers and Swindon Borough Council.

Fox, the contractors working on the bridge, were also responsible for building the previous stage of the canal during 2025, which was filled up with water in December 2025.

Speaking at the opening of the previous section back in December, Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, cabinet member for planning and placemaking, said: "The next phases will create even stronger connections across the community and will encourage walking and cycling, while providing new areas for people to unwind and enjoy themselves.

"It’s an exciting moment for Wichelstowe and for Swindon as a whole.”