Chiswick Park Footbridge Shortlisted For Award

ICE London Civil Engineering Awards recognise outstanding achievements

The new 135m pedestrian Chiswick Park footbridge which opened last January, has been shortlisted for a prestigious architectural award.

The ICE London Civil Engineering Awards 2019 recognise outstanding civil engineering achievements and contribution to the profession and institution. The vote for the People's Choice award is now open to the public and voting closes on April 28th at 5 pm.

Others shortlisted are Coal Drops Yard,Deephams Sewer Major Upgrade Project, Hackney Wick Station Redevelopment,
Meridian Water Station, Terminal 3 Flight Connections Centre, at Heathrow Airport, Thames Estuary Asset Management 2100 (TEAM2100) Programme,University College London Student Centre, Victoria Station Upgrade and Woolwich Ferry New Berths.

The new bridge allows faster access to Chiswick Park Underground Station, reducing the walking time to just 4 minutes. Chiswick Park is now served by two direct Underground stations on each side of its Campus: Gunnersbury Station and Chiswick Park Station.

The objective of building the bridge was to help alleviate congestion at Gunnersbury Station, which was often dangerously overcrowded at peak times. However, getting the bridge built was a complex task, and involved years of discussions between stakeholders Hounslow and Ealing Councils, Transport for London (TfL) Network Rail and Chiswick Park who financed the scheme- you can read some of our earlier coverage in the story links in the above box. However, the setbacks and frustrations were forgotten today as those present admired the cantilevered structure which will be lit up at nigh

The 220 tonne bridge is formed of three steel arches in earthy tones and hardwood timber deck. The overall design, described by its architects as ‘sustainable, elegant and efficient’, was devised to reduce ongoing maintenance requirements. The bridge is expected to be used by thousands pedestrians daily. It has anti slippage features on the wooden walkway, and there is a lift on either side.

Construction work began in August 2017 after an agreement was signed between Chiswick Park, Hounslow and Ealing Councils, Network Rail, and Transport for London (Tf)L). However due to complex agreements, it actually took twenty years to complete from when it was first mooted.

A view of the bridge

Chiswick Business Park has 9,000 workers in its various companies, and and the bridge has made a difference to their daily routine.

The bridge will improve journey times to central London with more frequent District Line trains and improved access to the Piccadilly Line.

April 11, 2019