Acrow Bridge, a global leader in modular bridge engineering and supply, has announced the permanent installation of one of its modular steel bridges at Tewkesbury Marina in Gloucestershire.

The structure replaces an ageing Bailey Bridge and was installed in just one day, significantly improving access to the busy marina while keeping disruption to a minimum.

Located on the River Avon, Tewkesbury Marina hosts over 300 leisure and residential moorings and serves as a year-round hub for boaters. The previous bridge, while historically reliable, had deteriorated to the point where a 5-tonne weight restriction had to be imposed, preventing use by emergency vehicles and larger service trucks. This limitation prompted the marina to seek a modern replacement that could restore full access for all users.

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Opting for a modular bridge allowed the marina to expedite the planning and approval process. The like-for-like approach meant extensive groundwork was avoided, and existing abutments could potentially be reused. The modular solution also met the marina’s key requirement: to avoid prolonged inconvenience to residents during construction.

The new single-lane bridge spans 39.6 metres (130 feet) and is 3.15 metres (10 feet) wide. Built to HS25-44 loading specifications, it features a corrosion-resistant hot-dip zinc galvanised finish and a durbar plate deck surface for improved grip. Acrow served as the Principal Contractor, providing not only the design and structural components, but also overseeing the installation process through its dedicated team of steel erectors and a site supervisor.

To reduce disruption, the new bridge was pre-assembled in a nearby boat storage yard while the old structure remained in use. On June 30, 2025, the existing bridge was carefully removed and the new bridge lifted into place during a seamless two-hour operation. Traffic was able to resume immediately following the installation.