GRAHAM, a leading construction and civil engineering company – whose current projects include a £10.5m upgrade for the National Railway Museum, York – has been appointed as the principal contactor for the new pedestrian, cycle, and equestrian bridge over the A10 at Waterbeach, Cambridge.
The bridge, commissioned by Urban&Civic, will offer travel options for those hoping to get from the new Waterbeach development, the Science Park, and Cambridge City Centre.
The new bridge will connect the Waterbeach development to Cambridge City Centre via the upgraded Mere Way and the proposed new busway.
Works is set to be complete by early 2026 marking a significant milestone in the development of sustainable infrastructure in the region.
Key features include:
- The steel bridge measuring 90 metres in length and weighing 150 tonnes has been designed to reflect the heritage of Waterbeach, with gentle slope and vegetated embankments, providing safe and accessible crossing.
- The bridge will be constructed off-site and modular lifted into place, minimising disruption.
Andrew Henry, contracts director at GRAHAM said: “We are delighted to support the delivery of this significant piece of infrastructure. The new A10 bridge will be a key feature in the community, enhancing sustainable travel and stimulating economic growth.
“Our team is in the final stages of finalising the programme of works for the bridge, and witnessing its installation will be a remarkable achievement.”
Paul Mumford, project director at Urban&Civic, said: “The new A10 bridge is an important piece in the jigsaw of our sustainable transport strategy, making sustainable travel between Waterbeach, the Science Park and Cambridge City Centre a viable option for people living and working in the area – now and in the future. It’s great to see it reach this important milestone.”
The bridge, which was designed in consultation with user groups, was granted planning permission in Spring 2022.
Most of the construction work will take place away from the carriageway or off-site and minimal disruption is anticipated to users of the A10. Advance notice will be given of any traffic management required to ensure the safety of construction workers and road users during the installation of the bridge.
Mr Mumford said: “The new A10 bridge is an important piece in the jigsaw of our sustainable transport strategy, making sustainable travel between Waterbeach, the Science Park and Cambridge City Centre a viable option for people living and working in the area — now and in the future. It’s great to see it reach this important milestone.”
Knights Architects, who designed the bridge, says the 95m-long bridge “will provide a distinctive architectural landmark for the development.
“The simple, elegant form reaches down to ground level at the entrance to the Barracks in a graceful sweep. The structure is instantly recognisable from the A10, the main road which runs parallel to the western edge of the development and connects seamlessly with the active travel routes either side of the bridge, including to one of Cambridge’s largest employment centres – the Cambridge Science Park.
“The form of the bridge pays homage to both the aviation history at Waterbeach and the natural fen-edge landscape in the area, while the contrasting use of white and dark grey in the sculpted edge beams and deck / parapet sections respectively help to accentuate the bridge’s silhouette”.
