. Rainham bridges
hamburger

. 128 _ Rainham Bridges

Steel bridge being delivered to site on the back of an articulated lorry.
One of six bridges being delivered to site.

A suite of six new foot and cycle bridges located on the western-most section of Rainham Marsh. They form part of the new Rainham to Purfleet path. The structural elements are fabricated in a weathering grade steel, chosen for its durability and its self‑colouring effect. The dark russet finish was chosen as an appropriate response to the natural landscape setting.

The handrails are also fabricated from weathering steel. Their simple comb-like form has a natural bracing action and offers visual interest; mimicking the form of reed‑stems, and creating shifting optical interference patterns. The photographs here document the process of fabrication and installation.

project type: access infrastructure | client: London Borough of Havering | date: 2008-2009 | value: £350,000 | status: complete
Fabrication of the main bridge beams at Briton's works near Nottingham.
Fabrication of bridge beams at Briton's works near Nottingham.
Installation of 17 metre bridge, where the new access path crosses a restored drainage ditch.
Crane installation of 17 metre bridge.
Crane installation of new public access foot and cycle bridge.
The new bridges provide foot and cycle access to the marshes.
Piled bridge supports set back from the water's edge to minimise impact on wildlife.
Piled bridge supports are set back from the water's edge to minimise impact on wildlife.
Newly installed bridge and access path set within the marsh landscape.
Newly installed bridge and access path.
Close-up of bridge with maturing vegetation along the ditch banks and silhouette of comb-like handrails.
Maturing vegetation along the ditch banks with silhouette of comb-like handrails.
Scheme drawings for one of the shorter bridges; plan, section, and elevation, showing the slatted timber deck.
Scheme drawings for short bridge with slatted timber deck.
Scheme drawings for long bridge, showing scale and detailing of handrails.
Scheme drawings for long bridge, showing scale and detailing of handrails.