Bennion Footbridge, Leicester

Appointed by Countryside Properties to design and construct a brand new footbridge over the Grand Union Canal in Leicester.

Project Overview

The purpose of the new bridge is to provide connectivity between Countryside’s Sock Island housing development and the Golden Mile area of Leicester.

It has been named the Bennion Footbridge after noted businessman and philanthropist Charles Bennion, whose love for his adopted county of Leicestershire led to his purchase of Bradgate Park, held in trust for the enjoyment of everybody.

The footbridge comprises a 24m steel, Vierendeel truss superstructure with a stiffened steel plate deck. This is mounted via elastometric bearings to reinforced concrete bankseats, sitting on CFA piles.

Key Details

Client Countryside Properties / Leicester City Council
Project value £800k
Date December 2020
Expertise Bridgeworks
PDF Case Study View

Illumination is provided by subtle downlighters, hidden within the bridge’s stainless steel handrail. Ramped approaches were constructed to either side of he bridge.

Additionally, a ramp was constructed to the Sock Island side of the bridge from the Grand Union Canal towpath. An attractive retaining structure was created using the Redi-Rock modular precast concrete system.

The scope of works also included all necessary associated civil engineering, electrical, landscaping and temporary works.

Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) took place over a period of two years. Danaher & Walsh worked closely with Countryside Properties and Leicester City Council, providing estimates and advice at all stages of the development process to help bring the scheme into fruition.

Liaison with both the Environment Agency and Canal & Rivers Trust was necessary to ensure the finished product was suitable for their requirements, and that the works caused minimum disruption to canal users.

Watch a video of the completed scheme

Client Testimonial

“Please could you pass on my thanks to the team who have undertaken the work at Riverside Abbey Park Road. I commute to work at Abbey Park along that stretch and it’s a vast improvement. Also it enhances the area especially Cardinals Meadows.”

Jane Ushwell

Parks and Open Spaces, Leicester City Council