National Highways launches design contest to secure the low-carbon future of footbridges

A new contest launched by National Highways today (18 July 2024) is seeking innovative designs for a low-carbon footbridge that could be used on the project and across the wider road network.

The humble footbridge plays an understated but vital role keeping communities connected, allowing access to green spaces and encouraging active transport.

National Highways is responsible for more than 600 footbridges in England, with 176 of them in the south east, and many will need to be maintained or replaced in the coming years.

National Highways has committed to Net Zero for maintenance and construction by 2040. 

As a pathfinder project exploring carbon neutral construction the Lower Thames Crossing is instrumental in driving change throughout the organisation and the broader UK construction industry.

The project has already reduced its predicted carbon emissions by around 50% at no extra cost by working with its Delivery Partners and supply chain to embrace best practice and innovation.

As well as setting a new benchmark for low-carbon footbridges that could be used across the UK, the design might also be used over the A127, a key strategic road connecting Southend and London, located close to the northern end of the Lower Thames Crossing to the west of the M25.

The footbridge would restore the connection between Moor Lane and Folkes Lane, which was severed when the road was opened in 1924 and offer the local community an uninterrupted route between local green spaces such as Thames Chase Forest Centre, Folkes Lane Wood, and Hole Farm Community Woodland, the new 95 hectare woodland being created in partnership between the Lower Thames Crossing and Forestry England.

The National Highways design contest is open to all qualifying engineering and architectural firms. As well as being judged on the design’s use of low carbon materials and construction methods, the contest will also be looking for evidence of good design principles that allows ease of access and a pleasant crossing environment for all pedestrians.

The design of the Lower Thames Crossing has been shaped and improved by working in partnership with local communities; listening to and acting upon their feedback.  In keeping with this approach, the judging panel that will select the winning footbridge design includes representatives from the London Borough of Havering – where the bridge will be situated – Transport for London, and Balfour Beatty – the Delivery Partner for the Roads North of the Thames contract, as well as National Highways.

Shaun Pidcock, Programme Director, Lower Thames Crossing said:

“The Lower Thames Crossing is green by design, and a pathfinder project focussed on driving down carbon.  We’re committed to giving local communities better access to green spaces –  existing ones, and the new ones we’ll be creating right across the region, where we are planting over a million extra trees.  For every mile of new road we are building, we’ll construct or enhance almost three miles of pathways for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.  This new footbridge across the A127 will restore pedestrian access between Moor Lane and Folkes Lane, giving local people a new connection and opportunity to make the most of these green spaces.”

The Lower Thames Crossing will be the UK’s greenest road, with two new public parks created – Chalk Park south of the river, and Tilbury Fields in the north – and a community woodland, Hole Farm, in Great Warley, Essex. 

One million additional trees will be planted, and for every mile of new road built, almost three miles of pathways for walkers, cyclists and horse riders will be built or enhanced, opening up access to green spaces and encouraging healthy active transport.

The detailed examination of the Lower Thames Crossing by the Government’s independent planning experts ended in December 2023. Due to the General Election and to allow appropriate time for any new Secretary of State for Transport to consider the project’s planning application, the deadline for a decision has been extended until 4 October.

If given the go-ahead, construction is expected to start in 2026.