Lewisburn Bridge, Kielder Village, Northumberland
- Client: Forestry Commission
- Principal designer: Forestry Civil Engineering
- Principal engineer: Forestry Civil Engineering
- Principal contractor: JKF Ltd
- Contract value: £150,000
About the project
The Kielder Water and Forest Park wanted to create a low-cost yet spectacular structure that would be a meeting place as well as a crossing. This deceptively simple bridge subtly reflects its forest environment but at the same time is striking enough to become a visitor attraction in its own right for the North Tune Valley.
The local authority had proposed a walkway fastened to an existing highway bridge. It was decided, however, that a more ambitious and sympathetic 50 metre bridge could be created for the same budget 200 metres upstream. A post and cable structure was chosen to reduce cost, lighten the span and blend with the surrounding trees.
The bridge is deliberately inconspicuous in its setting. Carefully angled, circular hollow section steel masts on each side of the river ensure sufficient cantilever from which to hang the non-slip, durable timber deck. The bridge is 1.5 metre wide, a minimum for a horse led by its rider. The radius of the curve, while comfortable for all users, adds a ‘wow’ factor.
Judges' comment
"This delightful timber walkway is the latest addition to the 25-mile route around Europe’s largest man-made lake."
