Huntons were commission in early 2020 to undertake the design, manufacture and installation of a new section of cycle walkway forming part of public footpath along the river Lea. The 15m long, 2m wide  bridge is located in Ware.

A particular challenge for the project was the three live services running under the existing bridge which needed supporting during the installation of the new bridge. Additionally due to the location mobile cranes could not be used and only one barge crane was available. Huntons developed an innovative temporary works design – approved to BS5975 – which could be installed without the crane to support the live services.

The bridge was designed in house and verified structurally to Eurocode 3. The bridge decking and barriers are designed to be compliant for public use with anti slip flooring and 1.4m tall class 3 parapet. Structurally the bridge beams were cambered with a 500mm bow to maximize headroom under the bridge for vessels. The bridge was built at our purpose built facilities in Maidstone, Kent.

The new bridge was built in several section to reduce weight as far as possible and assembled around the live services. The bridge was fully assembled, commissioned and opened to the public on program in late 2020.