Jarrold & Sons Ltd, St James Ltd

River Wensum, Norwich

Architect: Ramboll UK
Structural Engineer: Ramboll UK
Principal Contractor: R.G.Carter

Jarrold Bridge Norwich

The Jarrold Bridge spans the River Wensum as it passes through Norwich. The new bridge creates a stunning new link between the old town and the newly redeveloped riverside area. The curved structure is formed from a tapered fabricated torsion box beam made from weathering steel. The beam itself cantilevers from each bank where it is supported on two slender columns at the water’s edge. The deck structure is also formed from a cantilever of fabricated weathering steel members which in turn support a hardwood timber deck. The balustrade system is formed from a stainless steel web mesh with LED lights built into the balustrade posts. The careful selection of the various materials minimises any potential maintenance with no applied treatments in the 80m. span.

The resulting bridge is an elegant and unobtrusive structure giving a safe crossing for pedestrians and cyclists whilst also maintaining fully compliant disabled access for wheelchair users. The bridge was built in five sections which were all trial matched before being shot blasted after fabrication work was completed. Two pairs of bridge beams were set up on temporary works on site and were welded into one continuous member before being lifted into place on each bank. The closure piece was then lifted into place over the river. The success of this operation relied on meticulous dimensional control to ensure the final piece of the jigsaw fitted exactly. The bridge has been well received by those who use it every day and it has gone on to win numerous awards including an Istructe Structural Award, Steel Design award and an International Footbridge Award.

Gallery