Behind-the-scenes look at the Rickmansworth Aquadrome pedestrian bridge
The vital parts to assemble the new gateway into the Rickmansworth Aquadrome have been created as the town eagerly awaits the new pedestrian bridge.
Beaver Bridges, Three Rivers District Council’s contractor, gave a behind-the-scenes look at the progress of the bridge's construction. The bridge is being developed at its subcontractor, Carver Engineering, warehouse in Doncaster.
A new bridge, funded largely by developer contributions, will be installed and replace the old one, off Riverside Drive, to serve as the new key link to the 41-hectare nature reserve. It will be 48.6m in length and 3m wide – double in width than the old bridge to allow pedestrians, wheelchairs, buggies and cyclists to pass each other safely and encourage sustainable travel. The surrounding area will be attractively landscaped to provide a great view of Batchworth Lake.
The archway, decking and columns are currently being worked on and finished before the pieces are assembled. The bridge will then be transported to Scunthorpe to be shot-blasted and finished with its deep red look. Finally, it will start its escorted journey from the north to be craned and fitted on-site at the Aquadrome.
Cllr Chris Lloyd, Lead Member for Leisure, said: “Already, the new bridge is shaping up to be a good fit for the Aquadrome and will create much more of an entrance to this beloved site that will be enjoyed for generations to come.
“I would like to thank everyone so far for their patience and understanding while the key link is closed until Easter 2025. We will continue to strive to keep disruption to a minimum and ensure the bridge can be installed as soon as possible.
“It will be worth it when it is done. In the meantime, the Aquadrome is still open to the public and can be accessed via the car park, towpath by the canal, or by following the established diversion signage.”
Copyright © Three Rivers District Council 2024 | Headless Content Management with Blaze