Rural bridge replacement designed to improve safety and durability while maintaining a simple aesthetic appropriate to its natural surroundings.
Rural bridge replacement designed to improve safety and durability while maintaining a simple aesthetic appropriate to its natural surroundings.
Slate Quarry Bridge was commissioned by Exmoor National Park Authority to replace an existing farm access crossing in a sensitive rural setting. The original structure comprised steel beams — believed to be repurposed from a truck chassis — with a transverse timber deck spanning approximately 4.4 metres between mass concrete abutments. With a narrow width of 2.5 metres, the bridge reflected a historic approach to agricultural access but required replacement to meet modern safety and durability expectations.
The replacement bridge was designed to retain the existing width while providing a robust solution capable of supporting vehicles up to 7.5 tonne gross vehicle weight in accordance with CS 454. A key project driver was to achieve a simple, unobtrusive structure that complemented the surrounding Exmoor landscape, known for its protected moorland and traditional character. To support this aim, locally sourced oak provided by the client was incorporated into the deck and parapets, reinforcing both sustainability and visual integration.
AWA provided a focused scope of services including detailed design sketches, structural calculations, and a site visit to inform and validate the proposals. The resulting structure delivers improved safety and reliability while respecting the rural context, ensuring continued agricultural access with minimal visual impact on the landscape.
AWA Consulting Engineers is a structural, civil, and marine engineering consultancy established in 1987, with a hard-won but deserved reputation for delivering excellence in our profession.
Our philosophy is simple: we put people first. This has resulted in a high number of repeat clients and an impressive track record of successful award-winning projects. We are proud to be professional, and approachable; we believe this makes us the ideal partner for your project.
AWA has technical teams in our offices located in Romsey, Hampshire and Bath, Somerset. We deliver services to clients typically across the South, South East and South West.
Our team includes both chartered structural engineers and chartered civil engineers committed to continuous professional development ensuring you benefit from up to date industry expertise, whatever your project entails.
To find out more about how AWA Consulting Engineers can help with your project, get in touch today. Email mail@awaengineers.com and one of the team will be in touch. Alternatively, call 01794 524447 to speak to a member of our team.
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