Taplow Footbridge

The latest crossing over the River Thames was opened in November 2018 by the Prime Minister, Theresa May. 

Designed by COWI with Knight Architects for Berkeley Homes (Oxford and Chiltern) Ltd, the new 35m long span will carry pedestrians over the River Thames from Glen Island to Ray Mill Island, linking the new Taplow Riverside mixed-use development with Maidenhead.

The regeneration scheme by Berkeley Homes is set to transform the waterfront along this reach of the Jubilee River and the River Thames. The sensitive and elegant design of the new footbridge provides the quality and appearance required to protect and enhance the character of the two riverside Conservation Areas.

The shallow arch form of the design is inspired by Brunel's nearby Maidenhead Bridge, and is echoed in the slender new steel structure. It provides the site with a modest riverside landmark which is conceived as a destination for pedestrians as well as a cross-river connection.

The fabricated triangular-section steel arches form a simple and elegant composition of deck and twin structural arches. Slender steel plate hangers emphasise this attractive composition and ensure the structure is lightweight and transparent in long river views. Fabrication of the bridge sections was carried out by SH Structures.

The footbridge was highly commended in the Footbridge Awards 2022.