Caldon Canal footbridge lifted into place as work nears completion
Steel bridge crucial first phase of new North Staffordshire masterplan
Construction of a striking new footbridge over Caldon Canal in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent took a significant step forward just before Christmas, with the complete deck structure being craned into place, signifying the completion of the primary bridge structure. The south access ramp and deck waterproofing are now getting their finishing touches, along with the offsite manufacture of the bespoke steel and glass balustrades.
The new steel bridge is the first phase of a masterplan by RENEW North Staffordshire to redevelop the area just south of Hanley city centre. The development will primarily involve new residential housing, but also includes refurbishment of the famous Bridgewater Potteries Workshops which are located on the site.
Expected to open in April 2009, the bridge will be an important and eye-catching link in a new pedestrian route through the site between Hanley city centre and the new development.
Visually striking bridge to set tone for development
The bridge has been given special attention in the masterplan as it is viewed as setting the tone for the rest of the development, and once complete will be a visually stunning structure with some unique features. These include a 3D patterned soffit, formed from a diagonal grillage of steel beams with custom-made aluminium coffers between them; a cantilevering glass balustrade providing the edge protection; and an unusual arrangement on the south bank of the canal where the abutment appears to just touch the bridge deck without any visible support.
Buro Happold provided structural, bridge and ground engineering services. The architect is NORD, and the contractor Birse Civils.
“Work on site started at the beginning of September so progress has been impressive, culminating in the placement of the bridge deck by a 250 tonne crane,” said Buro Happold’s project leader Donald Freeke. “The complexity of the bridge meant that work on site did not finish until after 9pm on the day of the lift, but it went smoothly, so the canal was open again by morning.”
Project team
Client:
RENEW North Staffordshire
Architect:
NORD
Buro Happold services:
Structural, bridge and ground engineering; cost management
Project Manager:
Hall and Partners
Main contractor:
Birse Civils
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Buro Happold is a multi-disciplinary international practice of consulting engineers established in 1976. We now employ over 1,700 staff in 21 offices worldwide, and our aim is to produce high quality engineering design in concept, in detail and in execution, on time, to programme and delivering excellent value for money. Our distinctive culture and ethos is still based on the same principles of care, value and elegance that were established when the practice was founded.
We offer structural, building services, civil, infrastructure and façade engineering, as well as a broad range of specialist consultancy services including sustainability, ground and environmental engineering, fire and security design, health and safety management, inclusive and urban design, project management, and specialist CAD and computer simulation provision.
Categories: Press Releases, Urban development, Structural engineering, Bridges & civil structures, United Kingdom