We’ve installed a new bridge to improve connectivity and reduce the journey time from Springhead Park to Ebbsfleet International station.
The 87-metre long bridge has two vehicle lanes as well as pedestrian footpaths and a cycle path. Completed in Spring 2020, the bridge reduces pedestrian journey times to Ebbsfleet International station from 20 minutes to around seven minutes.
Springhead Bridge is a key piece of strategic infrastructure that spans over Ebbsfleet river where there is an abundance of wildlife, including mallards, coots, and butterflies. To prevent damage to the ecosystem and to minimise disruption to local wildlife an ecologist was employed to work alongside the project team. Work was also programmed to avoid noise that would impact on the bird nesting season. Prior to construction, a special barrier was installed to prevent reptiles and amphibians from entering the site.
Archaeological items from over 2,000 years ago were also discovered at the site where the new bridge has been constructed.
The project, which was delivered via the SCAPE Civil Engineering framework, formed part of a development plan that will see up to 15,000 new homes built in the area to create a 21st century Garden City in North Kent.
million social value generated
students engaged
of topsoil donated to local community garden project
Delivering for the local community
Throughout the project we worked with the local community to provide a range of employment and skills opportunities. We created work placements for two students, engaged with 2,590 students from local schools, colleges and universities and donated eight tonnes of topsoil to a local charity to support the creation of a new community garden.
A regular newsletter was also circulated to stakeholders and residents to keep them informed on the project’s progress.
Award winning environmental solutions
The project has won bronze in the Building and Construction category at the Green Apple Awards for Environmental Best Practice 2019, recognising the installation of a pontoon bridge across the river for the workforce that eliminated unnecessary vehicle movements as well as the diversion of 8,000m3 of non-hazardous soft material from landfill by sending it to a local land restoration site and the use of approved recycled crushed concrete for all under-road construction.
Delivering in a challenging environment
Space on the North side of the project was limited. The adjacent access road, embankment and High-Speed rail line always had to be kept clear, so engineering precision was needed throughout. Engineers worked within only a few millimetres to ensure the steel beams fitted correctly.
Working over the water and constantly pumping out while maintaining a clean water course was also undertaken in order to comply with the Environmental Agency’s requirements.
From the early concept stage, all parties adopted a collaborative way of working offered through the SCAPE framework and this enabled us to share knowledge, expertise and build trust and understanding from the outset.
Julia Gregory
EDC Director, Ebbsfleet Development Corporation