To answer the many questions re the bridge here is the design statement
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/23674406/CFA Bridge.pdf
Why the new design?
"The new simple, elegant structure proposed does not compete
for attention with the existing stadium, nor the proposed MCFA stadium which
it will connected to, but instead links the two in a unifi ed way without detracting
from what will be a powerful pair of design statements either side of Ashton New
Road. The revised design proposals ensure the bridge integrates more closely
with the public realm, choosing to blend in with the existing streetscape rather
than stand out from it.
The opportunity has also been taken in revising the bridge design to ensure that
any future development proposals for the part of the Etihad Campus site known
as ‘the collar site’ are not prejudiced by the bridge. Whilst there are no plans
for the collar site as present, it is important that the bridge design can respond
to any future development proposals for this part of the Etihad Campus and the
new proposals achieve this objective. The MCFA Bridge Project Brief requires
the design to accommodate pedestrian movements associated with the current
45,000 - seat capacity Etihad Stadium. To ensure compliance with the Brief,
AECOM were commissioned by MCFC to survey match day pedestrian and
vehicle movements around Etihad Stadium."
Will it be open to public?
"Proposed Pedestrian Flows
The CFA bridge deck width has been designed in accordance with AECOM’s
survey work (see Section 3.1) Based on the transport plan and AECOM’s
recommendations, the design assumes that 5,000-5,200 spectators will across
the bridge over a 15 minute post-event surge (between 333 and 347 people per
minute"