Medway Council commissioned us to review the feasibility of a Green Bridge. The bridge provides connectivity between proposed housing developments on the Hoo Peninsula in Medway, Kent.
Our aim was to identify the constraints and best location for the non-vehicular Green Bridge to provide continuous habitat connectivity. The goal was also to provide an uninterrupted journey through new development areas for people and wildlife across the A228 and maintain the landscape character of the connecting sites.
We followed a two-phase reporting process to deliver the study:
Phase 1 was a full review of all existing site data with gap analysis, identification and initial engagement with stakeholders, confirmation of the relevant design standards and options for materials.
This included:
- A desk study of existing site information to confirm the feasibility of the project and support future design development
- A review of the UK national design standards (DMRB) and guidance on the design of Green Bridges to confirm the design criteria and outline dimensions for the structure
- Identification of stakeholders and initial consultation to confirm specific requirements
- Initial assessment of bridge construction forms, buildability and appropriate materials
- Creation of Project Risk Register
Phase 2 centered around development of the feasible options to confirm a preferred structural form, span arrangement and next steps for design development.
This included:
- Analysis of the bridge deck construction options
- Construction and whole of life costings
- Technical Approval Process
- Project delivery programme
- Ground investigation specification and implementation
- Agreed design criteria for working around extensive statutory undertaker’s plant
As part of the feasibility study, we identified several additional stakeholders and supplementary project requirements and constraints. This ensured the location and aesthetics of the bridge tied-in with the wider landscape by consulting and working closely with local desire and opinion.
A key challenge overcome within the project involved the management of statutory undertaker’s plant. A major fuel pipeline in the location of the proposed route presented a high-risk in design and construction challenges. We engaged with the pipeline operator at an early stage of the project to agree the principles of possible design and construction phases. This mitigated the risk of major design changes later in the design development.
Other challenges included optimizing the bridge’s location based on the local topography. The existing A228 dual carriageway pass over inclined topography which does not present an ideal location for land a bridge and visual intrusion. The commissioned 3D topographical survey of the site allowed for an accurate optioneering and determination of appropriate access ramps. In sum, combined with experience and best practice, we determined the optimal location, form and minimised the structural and carbon footprint.
We delivered both Phase 1 and Phase 2 feasibility on time and within budget. In addition to this, we agreed a feasible concept design with our client to allow further development.
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