Unusual three-legged design provides two connections within one structure

Campbell Wharf Bridge will allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross the Grand Union Canal between the new mixed-use development and marina.

The scheme includes accommodation, retail units, restaurants and a 117-berth marina, which will form the start of a canal link between Milton Keynes and Bedford in the future.

COWI was tasked with producing a footbridge as a centrepiece for the new community by Crest Nicholson, the developer for both sites.

The main span of the bridge aims at the marina entrance, before splitting symmetrically north and south, framing the marina entrance and linking the leisure routes and towpath on either side.

This unusual three-legged design provides two connections within one structure, whilst avoiding any abrupt changes in direction that may be difficult to navigate by cyclists or by wheelchair users.

The deck cross-section consists of a central steel spine supporting the 3.2 metre wide deck. The bridge's complex plan geometry generated some unusual thermal movements in the deck that had to be accounted for during design.

COWI and Knight Architects, who acted as Architect for the scheme, used 3D parametric modelling, to share design information and create the geometry definition, so that each of the 75 panels has a unique pattern. Working collaboratively with the steel fabricator, SH Structures, ensured that the design was achievable within the project's budget.

Campbell Wharf Bridge will allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross the Grand Union Canal between the new mixed-use development and marina.

The span lengths and deck weights were carefully controlled so that deck could be fabricated off site before being assembled and lifted into place as one piece using an 800-tonne crane. This approach minimised the disruption to marina works and the canal traffic.