Dura Profile Channel used as Perimeter Beam Support
During & After Construction
Project: Bailey’s Bridge over the River Camel, Cornwall
Client: Taziker
This 180ft suspension footbridge over the River Camel is affectionately known as “Anneka’s Bridge” and was built by the Challenge Anneka hit TV programme in 1991, hosted by Anneka Rice.
Since its initial moment in the limelight, after 31 years the old timber bridge deck had degraded over time and required refurbishment to safeguard its important role in connecting the communities on either side of the river.
The bridge is maintained by Cornwall Council and arms length management organisation Cormac, who appointed multi-disciplinary engineering and construction contractor Taziker to work on the refurbishment project. Taziker selected Dura Composites to supply a new pedestrian duty GRP bridge deck using its Dura Slab Light Type 40 Panels which met the required loading and span criteria, whilst also providing a long-term low-maintenance solution.
Connecting the communities of Egloshayle to Wadebridge, this important footbridge significantly reduces journey times between the two, so investing in it was a top priority for the local council. However they were faced with a number of challenges.
The first of these was the varying heights of the previous deck and the the longitudinal beams versus the perimeter beams. This complicated arrangement meant that a bespoke design was needed. With an in-house CAD and Structural Engineering function, Dura Composites was able to provide invaluable support for the project, including providing our GRP Dura Profile Channel and bespoke-cut angle to support the existing substructure and provide a finishing trim.
Available from stock from our East Anglian HQ, the Dura Composites GRP products used on this project were lightweight, easy to handle and easy to work with, helping contribute to the overall efficiency of the scheme. In fact, the bridge was able to re-open after just 10 weeks, ahead of the planned refurbishment schedule. The project involved working above and within the water course, and therefore the selection of Dura Slab panels for deck meant easier deployment in an area with on access restrictions, without compromising on strength and safety.
Commenting on the project, Adam Jones, Site Manager at Taziker said;
This was a great project to work on, and one that’s close to the hearts of so many in this community. We’ve worked with Dura’s GRP materials in the past and have been pleased with the way in which the lightweight, high-strength products allow us to realise efficiencies on the project. Dura’s technical support is also always valued by the team at Taziker and we’re delighted that we could come together again to provide this community with a bridge that will last for generations.
