National Highways has launched a competition for innovative footbridge designs as part of its low carbon ‘pathfinder’ project.
The government-owned company is responsible for more than 600 footbridges in England and said many will need to be maintained or replaced in the coming years.
The footbridge design contest is open to all qualifying engineering and architectural firms and will be judged on the use of low carbon materials and construction methods, as well as ease of access and a pleasant crossing environment.
National Highways said the new design might be used over the A127 and would restore the connection between Moor Lane and Folkes Lane, which was severed when the road was opened in 1924.
It would offer the local community an uninterrupted route between local green spaces such as Thames Chase Forest Centre, Folkes Lane Wood, and Hole Farm Community Woodland, the new 95 hectare woodland being created in partnership with Forestry England.
An earlier image of the scheme, including a footbridge
The judging panel that will select the winning footbridge design includes representatives from the London Borough of Havering – where the bridge will be situated – Transport for London, and Balfour Beatty – the Delivery Partner for the Roads North of the Thames contract, as well as National Highways.
LTC programme director Shaun Pidcock said: ‘We’re committed to giving local communities better access to green spaces – existing ones, and the new ones we’ll be creating right across the region, where we are planting over a million extra trees.
‘This new footbridge across the A127 will restore pedestrian access between Moor Lane and Folkes Lane, giving local people a new connection and opportunity to make the most of these green spaces.’
