A pioneering consortium unveils a new prototype revolutionising railway footbridges.
- The AVA footbridge promises speedier construction and lower environmental impact.
- Modular design allows for easy customisation to station needs.
- Innovative solution addresses traditional footbridge shortcomings.
- Backed by major UK transportation bodies, this design sets a new standard.
The AVA Consortium, a collective of design, engineering, manufacturing, and construction experts, has introduced an innovative railway footbridge prototype aimed at replacing conventional steel structures. This initiative seeks to enhance the delivery speed of railway footbridges while significantly reducing costs and carbon emissions. The AVA footbridge’s modular design not only facilitates customisation to fit various station requirements but also supports Network Rail’s broader goals of cost reduction and sustainability.
Comprised of Expedition Engineering, HawkinsBrown, Walker Construction, McNealy Brown, and Network Rail, the AVA Consortium emphasises cutting-edge technology and batch production to achieve economies of scale. The initiative addresses existing footbridge designs’ inability to align with Network Rail’s ‘Access for All’ programme, which aims to establish obstacle-free routes between platforms. AVA’s design incorporates flexible, modular components, enabling configuration for different spans and heights, meeting specific site demands.
Chris Wise, Senior Director at Expedition Engineering, highlights the AVA bridge as a versatile system rather than a customised solution for each location. Its flexibility allows for various adjustments, whether it’s adapting to different track layouts or adjusting bridge heights. The bridge system also features an integrated lighting setup and a durable, bead-blasted stainless steel finish, promising minimal maintenance and extended lifespan.
The partnership with the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry has led to the development of a knowledge-based engineering configurator, akin to those used in designing kitchens or customising cars. This tool further supports the adaptability and ease of deployment of the AVA bridges, ensuring quick and efficient installation with minimal disruption at stations. The use of stainless steel enhances the footbridge’s durability, reducing its lifecycle costs and environmental impact.
Supported financially by Network Rail and the Transport Infrastructure Efficiency Strategy’s Living Lab programme, with additional grants from Innovate UK, AVA’s design has been independently recognised for its sustainability, safety, passenger comfort, maintenance efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. The AVA footbridge sets a precedent in modern infrastructure solutions, combining innovative design with practical application that has already gained inclusion in Network Rail’s design manual.
The AVA footbridge represents a significant evolution in railway infrastructure, aligning modern technology with sustainable design principles.
