There is a tendency for people to assume that it is not permitted to provide structures with legs when crossing waters. This arises due to Land Drainage and Environment Agency preferences for unobstructed flow in times of flood.
This leads to long span bridges which are expensive.
This can then lead to there being no other alternative other than this type of bridge.
For example, in Northumberland there are three huge rivers that drain the Cheviot, one of which is called the River Coquet and when the snow melts the flow rates are staggering, as the width and depth beggar belief as... Read More
Bascule Bridges
Building bridges over canals can be difficult and expensive .
Maintaining the head room to allow traffic to pass its bridges up in the air with long and expensive ramp.
Bascule bridges are like draw bridges they can be opened and closed by the users. The bridges are carefully counter balanced allowing normally fit members of the public to operate them manually
There is limited Claims History as they seem to be in decline with more being destroyed rather than being built.
Such a shame.
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Swivelling Bridges
Another way to cross a canal economically
These clever bridges can be slewed to allow a crossing and returned to allow traffic to pass.
It is not so easy if you are on one bank and the bridge is swivelled on the other!
They are becoming increasingly rare, a collectors item. Read More
Access for all?
The pandemic has brought many and varied new users onto pubic footpaths, many are not as agile as the usual user.
Structures which integrate bridges and stiles in confined spaces have their attractions from a Construction Efficiency point of view but present a formidable barrier to some would be users.
The level top bars are set and the lack of a post to hold when stepping over this needs careful consideration.
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Ramps and Retaining walls
On many bridges the walking surface is above ground level. In order to make bridges accessible to all users and wheeled traffic ramps are desirable.
Ramps can be supplied in the same material as the bridge. This is attractive but on some occasions solid ramps are required.
The most cost effective way to provide these is in compacted MoT Type 1 compacted in 300mm layers. It is best to lay this on a geo textile.
When this kind of material is used retaining walls may be required to prevent the fill escaping under the bridge over time.
The retaining walls can be cast at the s... Read More
Who uses our bridges?
At The Wooden Bridge Company we provide bridges for many different users.
These include Pedestrians, Cyclists, Horseriders, Golfers (in buggies) and all types of vehicle.
The height and style of parapet will vary with the user type and the safety standard required. The above image for example is a Bridleway Bridge. It has a parapet 1.8m high and the lower sectoion is close boarded to prevent the horses being spooked by unexpected things.
This deck is one of scores provided for a new golf course in Scotland. The Committee seem philosphical about losing Members and opted not... Read More
