Walton Bridge Replacement, United Kingdom

Walton Bridge crosses England's River Thames, connecting Shepperton and Walton. The road across the bridge is part of the A244, which links Feltham, Sunbury, Hersham, Esher, Shepperton, Oxshott, Walton and Leatherhead.

The existing structure is the fifth Walton Bridge. It was constructed in 1999 and is open to pedestrians, vehicles and cycles. Approximately 1,200 heavy goods vehicles use the bridge daily, and about 34,000 vehicles use it on weekdays. The bridge is owned by Surrey County Council.

Construction of the sixth bridge began in January 2011; it is expected to open in 2013, and will replace the fourth and fifth Walton Bridges.

Purpose of the Walton Bridge

The first Walton Bridge was constructed in 1750 out of timber, but was dismantled in 1783 when it fell into disrepair. Replacement bridges were constructed at in 1788, 1864, 1953 and 1999.

The third bridge - built in 1864 - was damaged during World War II, which necessitated building the temporary fourth and fifth bridges in 1953 and 1999.

The intended lifespan of the fifth bridge comes to an end in December 2014. Surrey County Council and the UK Government therefore decided to build a permanent bridge in its place.

The new structure will provide improved access to local businesses, major employers and shopping centres.

Construction of the bridge

The construction contract for the new bridge was awarded to Costain. Preliminary construction work began at the end of January 2011, and main construction is expected to begin in January 2012.

The fifth bridge will remain open during the construction phase, but could be closed to traffic overnight or at weekends.

Excavations and vegetation clearance is under way to make the site ready for the construction of a boundary wall. Other preliminary site clearance works, such as locating and marking cables and pipes in the vicinity, are also being carried out.

An archaeological investigation on the ground started in mid-April 2011. It involved excavation of a number of trenches and was completed in September 2011.

Most of the earth moving works for landscaping have been completed. Currently works are being carried out to move the pipes and cables at the main construction site. Other works being carried out include expansion of the Cowey Sale car park and demolition of properties near the river.

Other construction projects initiated at the site include an extension of the Cowey Sale car park and the preparation of the new open spaces.

Designing Walton Bridge

Surrey County Council has awarded the design contract to Atkins.

The new bridge will cross the Thames in a single span and will have a slender roadway, which will be supported from the two arches by hangers. The height of the new roadway will be raised 0.1m higher than the present bridge to provide additional headroom for boats.

The new bridge will have a 3.65m lane in each direction, and a 3.5m-wide footway or cycle way on both sides. The new design incorporates a T-junction at Walton Lane; the road will be widened to accommodate a third lane of traffic at this point.

The design of the sixth bridge will resolve many of the problems associated with the fourth and fifth bridges -- in particular reducing congestion on the river crossing on Cowey Sale junction by removing bottlenecks. The design also intends to reduce accidents.

Finance

The bridge replacement project is expected to cost £32.3m ($51.2m).

The UK Government has approved funding £23.9m ($37.9m) for the project. Surrey County Council is providing the additional £8.4m ($13.3m).