Unfortunately, the original bridge construction was never opened to the public.  To remedy the situation, CTS Bridges were approached to design, build and install a replacement structure.  Our brief was to ensure the new structure fitted within the architectural envelope of the Gollifer Langston Achitects and Michael Hadi Associates Consulting Engineers original design and re-use the existing steel cladding panels which incorporated a laser cut motif to represent woven fabric.

As well as fulfilling the aesthetic brief, buildability and safe installation were critical to the design strategy.

Attention to detail, during both design and fabrication was important to ensure a successful structure; the anticipated rotation of the torsion space truss was carefully analysed to enable factory preset of cantilevering deck elements and every cladding panel was match fitted in our factory onto the fully assembled structure to ensure the best possible fit with the constraints of the existing panels.

The large boomerang shape of the bridge meant it had to be transported to site in three sections and welded adjacent to the final bridge setting.  Adjacent access roads limited crane size to a 500t capacity crane.  The combination of a large, heavy structure and restricted lifting capability created a challenging installation.  As such, careful sequential activities were planned to ensure a safe, smooth installation.  A high level of prefabrication was needed both prior to delivery and the final lift to avoid temporary works and working over water.

A precision planned lift which utilised the structures centre of gravity, which fell outside the footprint of the deck, located all three landing points simultaneously with ease.  The entire night lift was complete in under two hours by CTS's own on-site team.  We are pleased that the new replacement bridge structure has been complimented by Manchester City Council and will be opened once adjacent footpath works are complete.