A new 12.5m footbridge, which is expected to last at least 100 years, has been installed in Newchurch thanks to the work of Cowes-based composite engineering consultancy STRUCTeam and Ryde-based Apex Composite Structures.
The newly installed structure provides safe pedestrian access through Newchurch meaning walkers no longer need to navigate the narrow and busy stretch of road through the village.
Newchurch Parish Council commissioned the building of the bridge and were seeking an economical and robust crossing solution for this section of ‘Norah’s Way’ – a dedicated rights of way footpath, opened in 2019 by Norah Boswell’s family in her memory.
STRUCTeam and Apex’s engineers specified lightweight materials and sustainable manufacturing methods wherever possible to allow for efficient production, easy transportation and rapid installation of the bridge.
The composite bridge design was pitched against steel and hardwood alternatives. However, these traditional building materials require maintenance and repainting every 25 years. By comparison, it is estimated the composite bridge will need very minimal upkeep and will not need to be replaced for 100 years.
Apex Composite Structures took inspiration from a similar footbridge commissioned by Network Rail in 2009 to improve pedestrian safety at dangerous level crossings. In fact, it was George Downer’s father, Mark Downer, who designed and built the first prototype bridge for a Network Rail initiative.
The bridge’s foam core is made from 30,000 reprocessed plastic bottles.
STRUCTeam maintains a varied portfolio of clients both locally and around the world.
Jon Evans, STRUCTeam’s Composite Design Engineer, says:
“Since our formation in 2010, we have delivered bridges, canopies and facades for many high-profile architectural designs. However, it is always a privilege to work on a project closer to home that will directly benefit the community and support other Island businesses”.
For once a great addition by the council
Who are George and Mark Downer?
Not at all user friendly for those with mobility walkers and mobility scooters could they have not made a ramp instead of plonking it on a large concrete slab?
If you study the photographs and the video, you might realise that access to the footbridge from either side is not exactly user friendly either. if you are using ‘wheels’, Never having been along Norah’s way, I don’t know if that is ‘wheel’ friendly either. Perhaps someone who knows the route would be able to comment on that. Sadly not everywhere is adaptable for the many disabled people. A certain amount of realism is needed.
Whilst most right minded people pity the disabled, it has to be remembered that any of us could end up with disabilities
That said, it stand to reason that not all disabled people are going to be nice, grateful, decent people, as if you weren’t before, then you won’t be after your disability.
Whilst the able bodied are told ‘to see the person, not the disability’ the disabled should perhaps be reminded to face the fact that the world does not owe the disabled full right to everything an able bodied person can do or has, and try being grateful for what is given to you.
As this is a new bridge addition THINK you had NOTHING before
Not all disabled people are nice but not all able bodied people are nice either. When building a bridge one would assume its not that difficult to add a ramp at each end. If you ever get disabled you will find out the hard way
Nice to see work going to other Island firms rather than island roads or mainland firms
Could they make one to replace that idiotic floating bridge…
A good thing, but – visually not at all in keeping with its surroundings.
Jeeez…some people are never happy.
What do you want, ‘the hanging gardens of Babylon ‘.
Totally agree. The existing bridge’s heritage significance has been totally compromised by such an aesthetic brute.
Don’t worry it will be painted in rainbows and unicorns next.
Isambard Kingdom Brunel built bridges (amongst other things) that are still being used today. He died over 160 years ago. I’d have thought modern technology would have lasted longer than 100 years. How disappointing.
Fair point, but I presume they mean that it will last 100 years without maintenance, and not having to be inspected or painted every year.
Smarty pants.wink wink.