Shared Platform Footbridges in Rural Environments

To solve the accessibility problems of the area surrounding the village of Os Peares, a new footbridge is projected that allows crossing over the Miño River downstream from its confluence with the Sil River. Initially the bridge was planned for pedestrian use only, as the expected traffic was very low, but as in response to the demands of the residents of the area a shared platform bridge was designed, in which the platform is shared between motor vehicles and pedestrians, with preference for the latter.

The adequate design of the shared platform is vital to ensure the users understand how to use the infrastructure. Main factors are pavement design, parapet design and adequate signaling. Several options were considered for the pavement, finally selecting a cobblestone pavement with two different colors that slows down vehicular traffic. A specific design for the parapet is considered, which provides safety for both pedestrian and vehicles, with an adequate design for a footbridge.

This mixed solution allows reducing the cost compared with the cost of a full vehicular and pedestrian bridge. The environmental impact is also reduced as the size and materials to be considered can be more adjusted to the natural surroundings.

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