A modern pedestrian bridge illuminated at night spans across a highway with blurred car lights below. The sky is dark blue with scattered clouds, and streetlights are lit, adding to the urban ambiance.

Southend Bridge

Southend-on-Sea, England

Infrastructure · Foot & Cycle

This 40m tied arch bridge proposal was the first of its kind in the UK. The ambitious proposal hung a slender deck from a shaped arch, both made entirely of glue laminated timber. Steel plate hangers stiffen the structure transversely while supporting the parapet and handrail. Profiling and careful detailing ensure the structural timber is protected from the elements while still visible as the defining feature of this crossing.

Architectural cross-section of a bridge arching over a river, with tree-lined banks and buildings on both sides. The bridge design features a gentle curve and minimalistic railings. The background is a light gradient.

Simple approach ramps and stairs at both ends efficiently link the crossing into the existing streetscape. This elegant crossing was a significant upgrade of an existing highway overbridge, typical throughout the regional road network, bringing inspiration to an otherwise ubiquitous bridge type