Civic leaders will get their first glimpse of designs for a 22-metre spanned structure to replace Alma Bridge when they meet next month.

Project leader Devon County Council (DCC) is making initial consultations with stakeholders and conducting geotechnical inspections of the east cliffs at the potential location of the bridge.

If considered viable, the proposed steel structure would cross the River Sid by the Ham recreation ground, just upstream from the South West Water (SWW) pumping station.

DCC hopes to start the work in 2018.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon’s bridges champion and the member for Sidmouth, said: “We’re committed to finding a solution to replace Alma Bridge, and we now have a design for a structure further inland on which we can consult with partner agencies initially.

“We are keen to move forward with this option to commence construction as soon as possible following the outcome of our consultations.”

The proposed structure would have steps at either end of the bridge to link to Hanger Path.

Part of the existing path from Pennington Point would be closed, and the remaining sections that would still be used would be re-graded where it connects with the new structure.

Alma Bridge will need to be closed for two days early next month while survey work takes place.

Stakeholders include East Devon District Council, SWW, the Environment Agency and Sidmouth Town Council.

DCC will present the plans to the town council when it meets on Monday, March 6.