UK: The existing concrete footbridge at Greater Anglia’s Stowmarket station is to be replaced using the first modular ‘flat pack’ bridge to a design developed by the AVA consortium.
The concept for the stainless-steel framed design was developed by Network Rail, Expedition Engineering (design), Hawkins\Brown (architect), Atelier Ten, X-Treme Systems (manufacturing), Walker Construction (assembly) and Quantum Infrastructure (project management), with funding from Innovate UK
The AVA bridge is designed to be light yet robust, simple to install in two 52 h possessions, and capable of being adapted to fit any station. The hope is that this will make it possible to install bridges at sites where it might otherwise be difficult or unaffordable.
Marek Dowejko, Greater Anglia’s Asset Programme Manager, said the ‘revolutionary new style of bridge’ made the replacement of the existing Stowmarket bridge by one with lifts affordable using Access for All funding.
Construction is expected to start towards the end of next year.
