Pell Frischmann is delighted to announce that Salmonpool Bridge, Exeter, has begun its refurbishment. Lifted from its position on Friday 5 March, assessment and surveys commenced three months ago, working alongside Exeter City Council.

The 55-year old swing bridge over the Exeter Ship Canal, a leisurely waterway between communities, is part of the Exe Estuary Trail connecting Riverside Valley Park. Pell Frischmann’s nation-wide Bridges and Civil Engineering Teams have collaborated closely alongside local businesses, including contractors Marine & Civil Solutions, steelwork fabricator John Life Engineering Services, and Corrosion Engineering KBlasting; the project has also required close engagement with the local community to update residents of progress and targets.

The design solution was chosen to align with the principals of the waste hierarchy, maximising the reuse of the existing structure, minimising the generation of waste and keeping the use of new materials to the minimum. Where waste is being generated, opportunities for off-site recycling have been identified to divert it from landfill.

Believed to be the first use in this way in the UK, Pell Frischmann have implemented the use of Fiberline Decking, an innovative sustainable decking system dramatically minimising weight, mitigating future maintenance and increasing safety for the local users of the Salmonpool Bridge. For more information on Fiberline Decking, please click here.

All teams have worked on a strategy in order to ensure public disruption is minimised in the short-term; this includes the installation of a temporary foot/cycle bridge, providing access for the local community to the amenities across the canal.

The aim is to return Salmonpool Bridge into its rightful position at the start of April; we look forward to updating you on its progress.