Employee-owned professional services company, GHD, is undertaking civil, structural and geotechnical design for a new £1 million cycling and walking ‘Active Travel Bridge’ in Newtown.

The new 60 metre span bridge is due for completion in 2020 and will link the north and south sides of the River Severn, making for ‘green’ travel and convenient access to local businesses.

The bridge will provide a valuable walking/cycling link between a large residential area of Newtown and retail/employment areas, currently split by the River Severn and with no direct access to one another.

A spokesperson for the company said: "GHD is working closely with Ymgynghoriaeth Gwynedd Consultancy (YGC), Powys County Council and the local community to deliver an attractive and durable structure."

The final design option comprises a twin arch bridge with cable supported deck. The steel structure will incorporate lightweight fibre reinforced polymer deck panels and nine metre high arches, the latter minimising impact of the bridge on the surrounding environment.

With detailed design now progressing at pace, GHD has put forward an innovative proposal to lessen the impact of launching the bridge over a live watercourse.

The company recommends the bridge is propelled across the river in a perpendicular manner using wires, skids and ropes.

It says this technique differs from the traditional method of lifting the bridge into place using a crane, reducing the amount of heavy plant and lessening disturbance to the surrounding environment.

Stewart Tennant, Technical Services Leader – Europe and Middle East at GHD, said: “The benefits of the ‘Active Travel Bridge’ are multiple. Not only will it reduce the carbon footprint around the River Severn, it will also hugely facilitate travel between the residential areas to the north east of Newtown and employment opportunities in Dyffryn, Vastre and St Giles Enterprise Parks, thereby helping local businesses and customers alike.

“We at GHD have taken a holistic approach on this project. We have focused on risks, constructability and future maintenance to develop this sustainable solution that will provide long-term benefits to Newtown citizens.”

Elgan Davies Hughes, principal architect, YCG, said: “Following public consultation, GHD helped us to produce a high quality, contemporary bridge design and the lightweight, elegant structure will deliver a landmark to the area.”

GHD designed the UK’s longest bowstring footbridge, Pont Tonfanau in Tywyn, Walesm and is partnering with Eric Wright Construction to provide civil, structural, geotechnical and hydraulic design services for the reconstruction of Pooley Bridge in Cumbria, UK.