The Flow Bridge is an innovative, modular, composite (FRP) system designed to improve the safety of level-crossings throughout the UK railway network. The suite offers a range of flexible and cost-effective stepped, ramped and lift configurations to suit a wide variety of sites. The first iteration of the system – a stepped ‘S’ configuration was opened to the public near Craven Arms, Shropshire in January 2023.
The project challenged the team to deliver a bridge which communities could be proud of, that was cheaper, lighter, and quicker to produce than the current standard bridge. By putting the user at the heart of the design, the sinuous Flow Bridge was developed to achieve a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable experience.
The bridge is divided into two main components: a modular deck and a supporting spine, which connect through a new ‘gravity clamp’ mechanism. The layout removes the typical 90-degree corner at the top of the stairs, with the flowing deck more closely matching desire lines and providing greater visibility of the onward route. The glazed parapet offers excellent visibility onto and from the bridge whilst meeting stringent containment standards.
The spine’s two ‘V’ piers create a geometric separation from the flowing deck, providing an orthogonal arrangement to the tracks. It incorporates natural flax fibres, and contains embedded fibreoptic structural health monitoring.
Now entering full production, the system will comprise a variety of configurable moulds to suit a range of site geometries, user needs and local characters. It is projected to cost around 40% less than a standard steel footbridge, and will be 50% lighter, allowing for concrete-free foundations, less carbon, and reduced time on site.
The Flow Bridge demonstrates that modular design can be excellent design, innovatively blending standardisation techniques with user-focused solutions, resulting in a fitting addition to a variety of sites.
Collaborating Firms
Network Rail: Client
Network Rail Design Delivery Team: Principal Engineer
Knight Architects: Bridge Architect
Foflo: Team Perspectives and Momentum Enablers
Jacobs: Independent Checking
KS Composites: Fabricator
Suigeneris: Fabricator
JT Consulting: Rapid Root Foundations
Q-Railing: Glazing
Epsilon Optics: Embedded Structural Monitoring
Network Rail Works Delivery
Balfour Beatty
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