London’s ambition to produce an interconnected cycleway across the Capital is moving a step closer thanks to the London Borough of Waltham Forest and the combined efforts of HBPW and Graham Construction.
In 2013, all 18 outer London boroughs were invited to apply for funding from the Mayor of London’s Mini-Hollands fund and Waltham Forest was one of three selected to share the pot of cash.
Managing Partner Paul Withers, takes up the story: “As well as seeking to upgrade streets, road networks and tackle issues of road safety, air quality and public health, “Mini-Holland” has also become one of many projects playing its part in making Waltham Forest safer for pedestrians and cyclists.”
Part of Waltham Forest’s on-going improvements have centred on Walthamstow Gyratory of which the ‘Lea Bridge scheme’ is part.
“This existing road bridge crosses a live railway line and featured a footpath either side of the structure with viaducts to each approach. However, the narrow footpath was being shared by both cycles and pedestrians making it overly dangerous,” said Paul.
“The local authority was also mindful of the need to improve the nearby, and heavily congested, junction of Lea Bridge Road and Argall Way.”
They made plans to widen the road network but, in so doing, the resulting scheme meant the existing bridge footpaths being narrowed still more, further exacerbating an already hazardous situation.
The broader pedestrian & cycle walkway
“The solution was to build a cantilevered structure to carry a widened combined pedestrian cycleway on the north side of the existing viaduct. Effectively the ‘old’ bridge is now wider and, thanks to some innovative engineering, we have been able to deliver both increased safety for pedestrians and cyclists, while helping the Borough to achieve its ambition for an improved road network.
“London’s East-West Cycle Superhighway is already open to cyclists and runs in both directions, via central London, between Tower Hill and Lancaster Gate, so this latest initiative in Walthamstow offers yet more protection to two wheeled commuters and pedestrians in the Capital. A step in the right direction you might say!”
Cantilever strength