A new sustainable footbridge restoring the pedestrian route around Keynsham Memorial Park has recently been opened to the public.The original footbridge was permanently closed in October 2019 due to deterioration of its timber beams rendering it unsafe.
The new Lifespan FRP bridge has been installed by Bath & North East Somerset Council and is part of a range of improvements planned for the park over the next two years.
It has a span of 16.5m, a width of 1.5m & was designed in accordance with the Eurocodes & CUR96(2019).With a core manufactured from rPET structural formers (recycled plastic drinks bottles) & layers of resin infused glass fibre the FRP bridge deck weighs only 3400kg, has a depth of 460mm and a design life of over 120 years.It is one of the most recent examples of an FRP bridge that was manufactured at our factory which has now produced well over 1500 FRP bridges.
The balustrade and handrail are marine-grade polished steel and the infill panels are steel with a protective rust patina. This makes the bridge highly sustainable, reducing future maintenance costs significantly.
Councillor Sarah Moore, council chair who cut the ribbon, said: “It was a great pleasure to open this new, long-awaited footbridge, which we know has been welcomed by residents and visitors.”
