Hams Way Footbridge: Case Study of a Modern and Sustainable Pedestrian and Cycle Overbridge

The National Cycle Network is a UK-wide network of signed paths and routes for walking, cycling, and exploring outdoors. As part of the network's development, there was a need to replace an at-grade pedestrian crossing with an overbridge on the outskirts of Worcester. It was originally planned that a fabricator would lead the design and construction of a standard steel truss overbridge, but it became apparent that the surrounding landscape required a more sensitive approach to the design. The resulting structure, Hams Way Footbridge, provides this response: the bridge features smooth curves and intricate connections and is designed to catch shadow lines along its main members to enhance its lightweight appearance. The 42m long bowstring truss main span crosses 3 lanes below and is accessed by a long, elevated steel ramp on either side and a staircase to the North. This paper describes the design from concept through to detailed design, including an assessment of the embodied carbon.

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