Knostrop Footbridge – Innovative Design Solutions

Knostrop Footbridge was designed and constructed as part of the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme. The project’s principle objective was to provide new walking and cycling routes along the River Aire, as well as creating a landmark gateway to the city. Given the intended purpose, budget, programme, and site constraints, a list of key aspirations was developed:

• Creation of a slender, flowing structure which “floats” over the water and encourages local use and interest.

• Simplified construction through off-site fabrication and streamlined installation.

• Mirroring the alignment of the soon to be constructed Knostrop Weir and utilising the weir walls for sub structure support, all whilst accommodating the construction lag between the weir and the bridge.

• A durable, low maintenance structure is essential with the difficult access constraints of the weir.

Achieving the above in combination required an innovative approach. Numerous potential solutions were developed, experimented with, and analysed, prior to finalising the design.

This iterative process allowed the bridge to develop into a unique, innovative, and recognisable design, and one which exceeded expectations to efficiently fulfil its purpose with minimal anticipated lifetime maintenance.

This paper presents the innovative design solutions adopted in overcoming the various challenges and achieving the design aspirations.

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