Articles about PROW

Almost 7 years ago one of our Local Authority Clients issued a tender for a project that required a new simply supported 8m single span bridge of 1m width with a standard anti climb parapet. A variety of typical bridge construction types were permitted including steel, timber and an alternative using Lifespan resin infused FRP composites. With input from the Client additional considerations were made as to the likely cost and regularity of maintenance works for each of the possible bridge types in order to ascertain a whole life cost for each of the options.

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The Client had recently purchased additional land to extend an existing park and wanted two footbridges across a small stream to gain access to the new land. Lifespan Structures recommended an FRP composite bridge supported on screw piles with a timber parapet to compliment the environmental location. The Client commissioned Lifespan to undertake a topographical survey, and borehole survey for the proposed locations. Lifespan then provided an Approval in Principle (AIP) for the Client and proceeded to design the two bridges followed by manufacture and delivery to site ready for installation.

This Public Rights of Way (PROW), 2 span bridge was installed in December 2018. The lightweight nature allowed easy installation in this remote location during the winter months and moulded deck technology means long term maintenance will be reduced to a minimum.  The total length of the bridge was 14m and 0.905m wide between the handrails.  The handrails were attached to the outside edge of the bridge to minimise the overall width of the structure to suit site constraints.  The project demonstrates that FRP bridges can be a cost effective, durable alternative to traditional construction methods for small remote structures.