Kent Elms Footbridge

Description

A single 38 metre Bow Arch bridge spanning the A127 in Southend-on-Sea, this particular design was chosen from an options report produced by Nusteel as it provided a strong creative statement appropriate to the location and an excellent first impression of the borough.

The structure forms part of the Kent Elms project that improves the traffic flow across this key junction into and out of the town. The bridge replaces an outdated structure which makes it easier for people with reduced mobility and those with pushchairs to cross the highway to access local amenities.

The Bow Arch pedestrian/cycle bridge with Stainless steel hanger bars and curved parapets elegantly spans the dual carriageway as it enters Southend. This provides an elegant and clean appearance. Over 200 linear metres of sympathetic twin stringer ramps have parapets to match the main span, while the stairs have traditional P4 parapets with painted steel handrails. The bridge parapet has integral lighting in the handrails which provides both a safe route and a visually interesting appearance at night.

All designed, fabricated, painted, delivered and installed by Nusteel Structures’ in-house teams.

Location

Southend-on-Sea, Essex

Dimensions

Overall walking surface length of 242 metres with a clear width between handrails of 2 metres. Each of the 2 stairs arrangements have a total of 42 riders with 3 rest platforms.

Weight

205te

Client

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council

Materials

The main hollow steel sections are hot rolled to BS EN 10210:2006 S355J2H with the plates and sections to BS EN 10025:2004 S355J2+N. A Highways England Type 2 paint system was used in conjunction with a combined waterproofing and anti-slip decking system. The hanger bars are stainless steel for ease of future maintenance.