Location: Ladies Bridge, Cruden Bay, Scotland
Client: Aberdeenshire Council
CTS Bridges Limited were appointed by Aberdeenshire Council to design, manufacture and install a replica of Ladies Bridge in a tidal location at Cruden Bay.
The original bridge was constructed in 1922 following a fundraising drive led by local women and thereby named Ladies Bridge. Recently the bridge had been closed for months following concerns it would collapse following sever storm damage Local community groups were again involved in raising funds to secure a new bridge as it is a vital link to the beach and local businesses.
CTS carried out a photographic and dimensional survey of the existing bridge and its support trestles. A new structural design was prepared to current design codes whilst maintaining the principles of the original structure.
Survey of original bridge by CTS Bridges
Cosmetically the new bridge adopts the distinctive diagonal paling arrangement for the parapets although the new parapet is not painted. The entire structure uses FSC accredited Ekki hardwood which is naturally durable and well suited to the coastal environment; omitting paint does not reduce the service life of the structure but removes a maintenance requirement.
Parapet detail to match style of original bridge
The footbridge deck has FSC Ekki hardwood Hi-Grip Excel which has two non-slip strips of resin bauxite bonded into two grooves in each deck board. This provides a safe, slip resistant surface on the bridge deck. Hi-Grip Excel decking is manufactured by CTS Bridges Ltd and is available to purchase as a stand alone product.
Hi-Grip Excel non-slip deck fitted on bridge
For the site phase CTS acted as sole contractor. The tidal location limited the works that could be undertaken each day. Early on in the design phase, the site dates and associated tide times were identified in order to determine the installation sequence and in-turn the level of pre-fabrication of each element to be undertaken at CTS’s factory. The result was an efficient execution on site with all superstructure works being completed in less than 2 weeks.
Replacement bridge and steps installed on site
CTS Bridges specialise in the design, manufacture and installation of footbridges in timber, steel, FRP or combined materials.
CTS Bridges offer a wide variety of styles to suit aesthetics and budget
For further details on this project or for any other enquiries, please contact CTS Bridges
Tel: 01484 606416. Email: enquiries@ctsbridges.co.uk. Web: www.ctsbridges.co.uk
