Landmark Swansea bridge lifted into position

An eye-catching steel footbridge has been installed as part of the Copr Bay Phase One Regeneration and Arena Scheme in Swansea.

With a 50m-span, the bridge structure is 12m-wide and 7.5m-high and has a structural skin of 15mm-thick plate. Featuring a distinctive gold paint finish, the side panel plates are perforated with numerous laser profiled cut-outs and pressed into complex shapes.

Fabricated, supplied and installed by S H Structures, on behalf of main contractor Buckingham Group, the 140t bridge was delivered to site in sections, consisting of four deck pieces, six roof sections and 11 side panels.

The bridge deck was assembled on temporary works positioned in an area adjacent to the site. The curved plates, which form the sides, arch and roof were then welded, before the complete structure was given its final topcoat of gold paint.

The completed structure was lifted onto self-propelled mobile transporters (SPMTs) and then manoeuvred into position during a Saturday night road closure.

Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart said: “This is another big milestone in the transformation of our city.

“With its bold design and striking façade that will complement the new state-of-the-art arena, the bridge will become a stunning new landmark for the city and an emblem nationally and internationally of a modern welcoming city.

Friedrich Ludewig, Design Director for ACME said: “The new bridge is a true piece of international innovation for Swansea.

“ACME worked with Brussels-based structural engineers Ney & Partners to design this bridge made from steel plate.

“The iconic arch stabilises the super-slender bridge deck and creates a new urban space floating over the road, enclosed by patterned steel offering glimpses across the road, the arena and the new coastal park.”