The bow-string bridge, Winter 2007

Our initial plans for crossing the outfall from the lake and the land to the south-east of the lakeside circuit were for a viaduct, but subsequent surveys showed that this was an expensive option. Instead we  agreed to cross the low-lying area on an embankment - cheaper and easier to build and maintain - and a single-span bridge over the outfall 'cascade'.

ESSMEE now has a policy of inviting all members to enter proposals for such major works, and these are debated and the pros and cons examined before a decision is made. After considering some innovatory use of recycled plastics, traditional materials have been combined with an elegant design to produce a bow-string girder bridge.

The bridge was finally assembled on Jan 5, 2008 - another important step in the completion of the B&WR.

If you click on a thumbnail, a larger picture will appear in a separate window.
The bow-string bridge, Winter 2007

1. The site of the future bridge at the south-east edge of the lake.

2. An excerpt from the plans for the bridge. a single bow-string of 5.5m span.

3. Testing times: a 1/5th scale model of the bridge was built to test deflections.

4. Both piers can be seen here, taking concrete to build up both the footings and the abutments.

5.  'If you go down to the woods today ..' Once again the concrete needs the wheel-barrow conveyor belt system - we're rather good at this!

6. The shuttering for the western pier takes another barrow load of concrete.

7. The two sides of the bridge are assembled and all the components prepared.

8. The finished first trial assembly. Looking good!

9. The great day arrives: the components, now painted, are laid out for assembly at the bridge site.

10. The two arches are positioned on the abutments. With no crane access many hands must make light work!

11. Nearly there .. The proud designer guides the workers, their wellies to the fore.

12. Complete! Members put the new bridge to a full weight test - and pose for the camera.

13. While work continues on the bridge, the rails advance towards its east end.

14. Elegance and practicality. Now all is needed is track and a train.

See how the B&WR was completed in style on the next page