Overview of the Scheme

The scheme will provide a two span bridge consisting of two arches that blend into a single form, which supports the deck by means of a series of cables.

North East based Balfour Beatty Regional Civil Engineering Ltd are responsible for the construction of the bridge. Balfour Beatty have appointed Cleveland Bridge and Doorman Long of Darlington to work on the fabrication & erection of the structure.

The bridge will span the 125m wide River Tees linking the Teesdale Business Park with the planned North Shore Development. Please click here to view a location plan in pdf format.

The footbridge will be a focal point for the North Shore development, forming a high quality, safe pedestrian link between the development and Teesdale Business Park. The footbridge will be a strategic element in the local footpath / cycleway network.

The design for the 273m long footbridge comprises:

Southern Approach

A 54m long southern approach with a 5m wide reinforced concrete deck. A staircase connects the deck to the river promenade at the northern end of the southern approach.

River Crossing

A two span river crossing with a fabricated steel twin tied arch structure.

Northern Approach

A 38m long northern approach which includes a viewing area and access to the river frontage.

The Bridge Deck

The deck environment will be of high quality with the use an exposed aggregate concrete deck and stainless steel parapet and handrail system.

Lighting

Feature and environmental lighting are provided throughout.

Benefits

• By linking both shores, improved accessibility will attract further business to the area
• An iconic landmark structure, developed to form the center piece of the new North Shore Development
• It is anticipated the bridge will be used by around 4,000 people per day.
• Local employment for local people
• Local work for local companies including Cleveland Bridge, Doorman Long
• Improved Accessibility to the North Shore Development

History

In 2003, a design competition was held to encourage Engineers and Architects from all over the world to submit their designs for the bridge.  Technical appraisals and evaluations of the concept designs were carried out.  The winning design was produced by Expedition Engineering Limited, Designer and Spence Associates, Architect.

The construction of the footbridge was awarded to Balfour Beatty Civil Regional Engineering in spring 2007 and construction commenced in July.