Somerdale Bridge

The bridge form responds to its river setting, in particular, onerous flood constraints. Earthwork approaches with gentle and fully planted side slopes will be fully submergible. To minimise ramping, the smooth bridge soffit will be just above the highest flood level and the structure will be almost entirely ‘above deck’. Upstand edge beams are shaped to withstand debris impact and kept slim thanks to cable supports at mid-span. These cables run over a pair of outward leaning pylons along the southern riverbank before reaches anchorages at the back span abutment. This well-balanced arrangement reduces visual impact over the river while anticipating both construction and maintenance requirements.

A landscaping strategy that will enhance biodiversity while compensating flood plane displacement should blend the approaches into the existing riverside parkland. The bridge’s refined material pallet of weathering and stainless steel with shaped concrete supports should tread the line between confidence and modest, ideal in this important greenbelt setting.