Construction firm GRAHAM has installed a new bridge across the River Chelmer for client Chelmsford City Council.

The two single-span bowstring arches weighing 110 tonnes were lifted into position by a 500-tonne crawler crane with the aid of a 280-tonne super lift for counterbalance. The arches had been manufacurted off-site in eight separate pieces, welded on location and fitted with stainless steel tensioning bars to allow them to maintain their shape.

The distinctive 50m pedestrian and road bridge is made from corten steel, which is a deep red colour, chosen to reflect the industrial history of the site.

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Karl Lomas GRAHAM Project Manager said: "The successful installation of the arches marks an exciting and significant moment on the project, which is making good progress thanks to the team’s hard work and a successful collaboration between GRAHAM, Chelmsford City Council and engineers Buro Happold.

"Now that work on the main span has been completed, the team will move onto the next stage of the build, continuing reinforced concrete works and finishing the bridge deck for completion next year."

The new bridge and access road are being installed to provide access from Parkway to Chelmer Waterside, the city’s largest brownfield site. The new gateway to the Waterside neighbourhood is planned to improve essential access for vehicles and offer safe and scenic routes for cyclists and pedestrians. The bridge has also been designed so that boats can still navigate the River Chelmer.