Castleford Bridge, West Yorkshire
- Client: Wakefield Metropolitan Disrtict Council
- Principal designer: McDowell+Benedetti
- Structural engineer: Alan Baxter & Associates
- Civil and hydrological engineer: Arup
- Principal contractor: Costain
- Contract value: £4.85 million
About the project
The Castleford Bridge is the final and most ambitious element of the Castleford Project to unlock urban renewal and spark new confidence in the former coal-mining town.
The project was initiated by Channel 4, local community and civic groups and City of Wakefield Metropolitan District Council. Now valued at over £12 million, the project is widely credited with having brought an additional £200 million of investment into the town.
The S-shaped bridge across the River Aire is four metres wide and spans more than 130 metres. Good engineering solutions had to be found to overcome potential hazards, such as the need to construct three piers within eight metres of an existing, fast-flowing weir and in river depths varying from half a metre to seven metres. The project obviously also had to protect the existing eco-system.
Sustainable hardwood was imported for the distinctive curved decking and handrailing. The handrails conceal an energy-efficient LED system to light the deck without affecting neighbouring properties. The design of the bridge cleverly includes seating in a very special public space above the centre of the river. The bridge has a projected life span of 120 years.
Judges' comment
"A lovely sweeping bridge offering the chance to linger on imaginatively designed benches."
