Littlewood Farm Bridge Refurbishment – Innovative design and sustainable engineering
Background
The Century Way project transforms a disused railway into an accessible path for pedestrians and cyclists within the South Downs National Park. Project Centre was commissioned by Edburton Contractors to design a bridge refurbishment on the route at Littlewood Farm. The client hoped to reuse remnants of an old railway arch to support the new bridge deck and create a sustainable and visually harmonious structure. The key objectives were to provide an accessible footbridge for pedestrians and cyclists, provide a sympathetic aesthetic to the local environment and ensure minimal maintenance. The design scheme, valued at c. £30k, is now complete with construction starting shortly.
Process
Comprehensive site investigation and design phases
Project Centre took a systematic approach, starting with a detailed site investigation to assess the condition and stability of the existing abutments. The findings from this investigation informed an Options Study. The options criteria was agreed with the client as was the recommendation to proceed with design of the preferred construction type, which Project Centre subsequently completed. The project was broken into four distinct phases:
Site investigation: A geometric and condition survey to confirm the reuse of the original abutments and ensure their structural integrity during construction.
Option selection: A comparative assessment considering sustainability, aesthetics and structural stability for the following options:
Option 1: Weathering steel deck with timber cladding.
Option 2: Precast concrete deck.
Option 3: Fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) deck.
Preliminary design: Design development of preferred Option 1, selected for its balance of sustainability, aesthetics and minimal maintenance.
Detailed design: Production of a full construction package detailing the weathering steel main beams and timber decking. The permanent propping action of the deck ensures long-term stability. The lightweight design reduced ground pressure and allowed for easier transportation and installation.
Innovative structural solutions
To preserve the historical integrity of the original railway bridge, the new footbridge deck was designed to mimic the support action of the original arch. The weathering steel and timber design combined a modern approach while ensuring the structure blended into the natural surroundings while requiring minimal upkeep. The use of weathering steel ensured a 120-year lifespan, with timber elements easily replaceable, providing a sustainable and low-maintenance solution.
Outcome
A sustainable and aesthetic solution
The Littlewood Farm Bridge project exemplifies Project Centre’s commitment to sustainable design, innovative engineering and meeting tight deadlines. Our design not only preserves the existing abutments but also delivers a solution that compliments the historical and natural context of the South Downs National Park. By selecting a weathering steel and timber design, we ensured minimal environmental disruption and maximised sustainability. The design is fully compliant with industry standards and best practices.
Client satisfaction and success
Edburton Contractors praised Project Centre for delivering a bespoke solution tailored to specific project requirements and within challenging timescales. Hugo Baldwin from Edburton Contractors stated:
“Project Centre provided excellent design services, offering a bespoke solution within a very specific brief and under challenging timescales.”
Value added
Optioneering and flexibility: Presenting multiple design options enabled informed decision-making that balanced aesthetics, sustainability and structural integrity.
Sustainable design: The use of low-maintenance materials with a long lifespan ensured minimal environmental impact and reduced long-term costs.
Structural expertise: Our detailed knowledge of structural design and construction methods ensured the project met both aesthetic and functional requirements.
Risk management: Project Centre executed their role as designers under the CDM Regulations to identify and mitigate significant design risks.
Collaborative approach: Working closely with the contractor and ultimate client to develop a safe, efficient and buildable design to meet the client’s expectations.
Through this project, we once again demonstrated our ability to provide innovative, sustainable engineering solutions tailored to meet both client and environmental requirements.
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