UK Team Contracted For Bridge Design Services
Following an international tender, the Government of Bermuda has awarded a UK team — comprising Ramboll [lead consultant], Knight Architects and Eadon Consulting — the “contract to deliver full design services for two replacement highway bridges,” according to an announcement from the UK companies today.
“The two bridges form a critical link in the infrastructure of Bermuda, connecting L. F. Wade International Airport with capital city Hamilton to the west and St. Georges to the east,” the announcement said.
“Longbird Bridge was originally constructed in the 1950s as a 60m-long twin carriageway steel swing bridge at the east end of the 1km-long causeway connecting the island with the airport, however the bridge closed to traffic 10 years ago and was temporarily bypassed with twin Bailey Bridge structures.
“Swing Bridge spans 120m across Ferry Reach, linking St George’s Harbour with the west of the island, and is a critical link for both vehicular and marine traffic. The 1960s swing bridge has received extensive refurbishment and remains open to vehicles but no longer opens to shipping.
The existing Swing Bridge, Bermuda, Photo courtesy of Knight Architects
“The design team will undertake studies to determine the most appropriate solutions for the new bridges, including fixed and movable structures.
“Robustness and durability are key factors as both existing bridges have suffered accelerated deterioration in the tropical climate, which is particularly aggressive to steel structures. In addition, the structures and their mechanisms must be designed to withstand the hurricane force winds which Bermuda periodically suffers.
“As well as their use by islanders, each bridge is crossed by visitors arriving daily to the airport and the team will additionally explore the potential of both structures to offer architectural landmarks which enhance the potential of this popular tourist destination.
“The highly-experienced design team has collaborated on many bridge projects and between them is responsible for several award-winning movable structures, including the Twin Sails Bridge, Poole [UK], Gateshead Millennium Bridge [UK], Lower Hatea Crossing [NZ] and Merchant Square Bridge [UK].”
Commenting on the appointment, Peter Curran, Bridges Director at Ramboll in the UK, said: “We are all delighted to be working on such an exciting project with the Government of Bermuda. We look forward to collaborating to deliver a strong and lasting landmark for the island, one which inspires, connects and can endure the heavy weather conditions that Bermuda has previously suffered.”
Martin Knight, Director at Knight Architects, said: “Bermuda is a beautiful and inspiring location for any designer and it is clear how important these connections are in the everyday life in the island.
“These bridges are also the entry point for countless tourists every year and they offer an opportunity for gateway structures which reflect the culture and identity of a truly unique place.”
“Work on the project will start immediately,” the company said.
UK?
I smell Yorkshire pudding
Where’s the money tree!
The PLP has a plant nursery full of them apparently.
Its needed no doubt …
Toll Both on the Longbird brdge is coming , its either that or a % increase in fuel to pay for these. But one or the other is coming
This is the same government that spent money on redesign/relocation of causeway. It counts for nothing until there is real action.
Traffic is as bad as hell as it is.
People gonna stop pay a toll or E-ZEE Pass ?
Come on.
Just raise the price of drinks for all the poor locals who drink themselves to death on Friday/Saturday nights in Hamilton alone.
5 cents a drink will cover costs.
Sad but True. these people making so much money on alcohol. back in the day when i used to drink and party i was spending around $500 on the weekends for drinks at the clubs in town. that is crazy because i know they dont import the drinks for no where near $500 for the amount i drink
Maybe charge people per comment on social media as a way of raising funds.
or charger higher TCD for those who live that side…
Whole island uses it so why should only one side pay for it?
I smell airport all over. Private enterprise 2 important bridges, no consultation, giving money away oh my god what else ??
..or charge every boater who needs to have the bridges opened..
..most likely toll-bridges..
..where’s the money coming from..
..heaven help us if W+E get involved..
if they do it will be a 10 year project like bus shelters
Without a doubt both are long past use by dates. Causeway replacement was needed way before Fabian blew through in 2003. The PLP promised replacement in about every Throne Speech after it. True to form, it has all come down to just talk.
Get it right this time. No exposed steel that needs to be maintained. Make it wide enough, 4 lane, & high enough, road level at least 10′ higher with a high point over the channel enough to allow most powerboats & tourboats, not sailboats, to use.
The swing bridge needs to be replaced with something much less complex to operate & maintain. Google Knapps Narrows Bridge to see a bridge spanning a similar body of water. This one happens to be the busiest on the East Coast. On Demand 24/7.
“Bridge over troubled waters” comes to mind.
please! another capital project the PLP will effup.
All this was done under previous govt. a company came here and dug test holes to see where it’s best to build bridges. Why aren’t they using that info and save money
PLP gotta fix the OBA screw up! And you koolaid drinkers know it’s the truth!
FOF, Over Budget,Crap workmanship, Rebuild, all come to my mind from past performance
Interesting that no cost information has been provided here…. Surely this UK company isn’t “starting immediately” for free?!
I pray the PLP doesn’t make a mess of this. Their track record on capital projects is subpar to say the least. And our heads are barely above water as it is.