UK: The first production version of the AVA modular footbridge design has been installed at Greater Anglia’s Stowmarket station, and is scheduled to open to passengers in Q1 2026 following the completion of on-site testing and final works for a £5·5m project to replace the previous concrete bridge.
The AVA design was developed by a consortium of Network Rail, Expedition Engineering, Hawkins\Brown, McNealy Brown, ARX and Walker Construction. It is intended to be cheaper and quicker to construct than previous footbridges, with the stainless steel parts from Outokumpu being easy to maintain without needing painting and the ‘plug-and-play’ lifts cutting the on-site commissioning time.
Installation at Stowmarket took 47 h on November 29-30, using a 500-tonne mobile crane and lorry-mounted crane to lower the various parts into position. Five major movements took place, including the installation of a 29 tonne staircase section.
- Learn more: read the full story behind the AVA footbridge.
