A prototype low-carbon railway pedestrian crossing bridge has been installed at a site in Shropshire. The bridge is described as lightweight and affordable.
A prototype railway pedestrian crossing bridge has been installed at a site in rural Shropshire, to the north of Craven Arms. New Civil Engineer reports that the low-carbon bridge could lead the way to further installations of the affordable and lightweight rail bridges around the UK.
The bridge is known as a ‘Flow’ bridge, partly in reference to the curving shape, but also as an acronym for ‘Fibre-reinforced polymer, Lower cost, Optimised design, Working bridge.’ It has been developed to replace outdated cast iron pedestrian bridges across the rail network.
Network Rail Wales and Borders programme manager Andy Cross said: “The flow bridge was designed, first and foremost, as a safety solution but our teams have also gone above and beyond to create a quicker and more sustainable option for the future of the railway.”
He added: “Its versatile design means we have already started looking at fully accessible versions, with lifts and ramps, for other locations where that would be a suitable option.”
Network Rail Wales and Borders interim route director Nick Millington said: “We want to close as many dangerous level crossings as possible, and this new footbridge shows it can be done while saving tax-payers money and without the need to disrupt passengers’ journeys during installation.”
Network Rail R&D project manager Owen Thomas said: “Thanks to the hard work of our research and development team at Network Rail, we’ve managed to create a prototype that demonstrates the versatility of composite materials in construction on the railway.”
He added: “Not only is Flow durable and efficient but the design is also aesthetically pleasing which, I am glad to say, is feedback we’ve had from the local community in Craven Arms.”
The modular bridge was largely constructed off-site, allowing for rail services to continue as normal.
If you are looking for a freyssibar, please get in touch today.