A
Capita Symonds-designed footbridge built to reconnect Workington’s
communities following the devastating 2009 floods has been highly
commended in the prestigious North West Civil Engineering Community
Award.
The £1.7m Navvies Bridge Capita Symonds designed and project
managed the construction of the £1.7m Navvies Bridge which was
formally opened in September 2011, forming a new link for
pedestrians and cyclists across the River Derwent.
The 96 tonne, 60 metre structure comprises twin
steel bowstring arches supporting a generous three metre wide
footway, making good use of existing bridge sandstone abutments,
saving around £100k on building costs. Community input at design
phase resulted in the incorporation of innovative low maintenance
LED lighting into the handrail.
The bridge was constructed in a nearby field before being
hoisted into position, minimising the potentially high safety and
environmental risks associated with working over water.
Institution of Civil Engineers North West Regional Director Alan
Butler said the project met a wide range of critical criteria in
terms of safety, design and environmental factors: “Not only does
it provide a visually elegant structure reconnecting the town’s
communities, it is encouraging to see sandstone masonry from the
former bridge’s piers being reused to provide bank protection
around the structure.”
The North West Civil Engineering Awards showcase the collective
and individual achievements of civil engineers and civil
engineering. The Community Award recognises a civil engineering
project that demonstrates a clear benefit to society, and a
recognisable or measurable improvement to quality of life for the
people who use it or are affected by it.