Landscape & Urban Design Issue 16 2015 | Page 53

New Bridge Provides Essential Link Along Cornwalls Clay Trails A new 31m x 3.5m Tied Arch bowed steel truss cycle/ bridle bridge linking St Austell to The Eden Project was recently installed by CTS Bridges during a night time road closure over the A391 Carluddon Road, Cornwall. The bridge provides an essential link for the ‘Clay Trails’ which form a network of walking, cycling and horse riding trails through mid-Cornwall encompassing the towering clay tips known collectively as the Cornish Alps. Alex Hoffen, Project Manager for Cormac praised CTS for a successful installation, saying ‘the bridge will benefit pedestrians, equestrians, cyclists, young, old and disabled with the main aim being towards sustainability, health and wellbeing and the environment’. The bridge was designed by CTS as a tied arch formed from 500mm CHS with steel hollow section hangers and sub-frame. The deck was overlaid with rubber tiles in order to provide a safe and quiet surface for horse riders. The 1.8m high parapet comprises steel uprights and top rail with stainless steel weld mesh and a 625mm solid steel toe board. The bridge was transported in one piece from Huddersfield to Cornwall on a 5 axle triple extender step frame vehicle under police escort for the last part of the journey. CTS planned and supervised the installation using a 350t crane. CTS Bridges specialise in the design, manufacture and installation of footbridges in timber, steel, FRP or combined materials to suit aesthetics and budget. For further details on this project or for any other enquiries, please contact CTS Bridges Tel: 01484 606416. Email: [email protected]. Web: www.ctsbridges.co.uk Landscape & Urban Design Issue 16 53