New Bespoke Bridges for Henley Gate Project

Leading bridge designer, manufacturer and installer Beaver Bridges Ltd have completed the installation of a new 34-metre x four-metre pedestrian bridge and ramps and 45-metre x 13-metre vehicle bridge over the East Suffolk rail line during a full Christmas blockade for Crest Nicholson Group, as part of a major housing development.

The bridges are seen as a vital part of the 3,500 home Ipswich Garden Suburb project and will eventually link the Henley Gate and Fonnereau elements of the scheme. Their construction was a condition of the planning permission to build the Henley Gate development which includes a new country park & business area, they will also provide free access to the Westerfield Railway Station.

Henry Beaver, Chief Executive of Beaver Bridges said: ‘We were delighted to have supported Crest Nicholson with the full turnkey design, construction, manufacture, delivery and installation of these bridges which will leave a legacy on the Ipswich development for many years to come.

Many said that it was not possible to obtain planning, technical approval, fabrication, and installation over the railway in twelve months. Beaver Bridges acted as Principal Designer & Principal Contractor on this scheme and managed the interface with Network Rail fully on behalf of the client and were very pleased to hand back the track two hours ahead of programme.’

A spokesman for Network Rail said: ‘The work had all gone according to plan and trains were running as normal again on the East Suffolk line from Ipswich to Lowestoft and Felixstowe.’