First look at the new Chelmer Waterside bridge

Chelmsford residents are getting a first glimpse of a striking new bridge across the River Chelmer this week. The installation, linking Wharf Road and Parkway and a key part of the Waterside development, has reached a major milestone with two single-span bowstring arches lifted into place. The distinctive 50m-span pedestrian and road bridge is made from corten steel, which is a deep red colour, chosen to reflect the industrial history of the site.

New milestone reached

Due to their size, the arches, which each weigh 110 tonnes, were manufactured off site in eight separate pieces. Over the last four weeks they’ve been welded together on location and fitted with stainless steel tensioning bars to allow them to maintain their shape.

The arches have now been lifted into position by a 500-tonne crawler crane, with the aid of a 280-tonne super lift for counterbalance. Karl Lomas, the project manager for GRAHAM, the contractor delivering the bridge and new road, says the completion of this complex operation is an important occasion.

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“The successful installation of the arches marks an exciting and significant moment in the project, which is making good progress thanks to the team’s hard work and a successful collaboration between GRAHAM, Chelmsford City Council and engineers Buro Happold.

"Now that work on the main span has been completed, the team will move onto the next stage of the build, continuing reinforced concrete works and finishing the bridge deck for completion next year.”

Karl Lomas, GRAHAM Project Manager

An arch being lifted into place and secured

New bridge will provide key access

The new bridge and access road, due to be completed in spring 2025, are being installed to provide access from Parkway to Chelmer Waterside, the city’s largest brownfield site. This area, just east of the city centre, used to be home to the city’s gasworks, which were originally established in the early 19th century, but later decommissioned due to changes in the gas industry.

Over the last few years, remedial works have been carried out to allow this former industrial site to be brought back into use as a waterside community. The bridge is one of a number of infrastructure projects underway to enable the site to unlock its potential as a new Chelmsford quarter, with plans for around 1,200 new homes, green spaces and amenities.

Bridging the gap: enhancing local connectivity

The Bailey Bridge, which previously only provided access to pedestrians and cyclists, was dismantled last year and is being carefully stored at Sandford Mill while a future use is identified. The new gateway to Chelmer Waterside is planned to significantly improve essential access for vehicles, as well as cyclists and pedestrians, without it becoming a busy through-route.

The new road and bridge have been created with measures in place to make the area accessible for the Waterside neighbourhood without it becoming an attractive cut through. There’ll be a 20mph speed limit, a width restriction for traffic crossing the bridge and other traffic calming measures in place. Similar measures will also be implemented along Wharf Road.

The new bridge, yet to be named, not only provides access to new neighbourhoods but also integrates into Chelmsford’s existing cycle network, offering safe and scenic routes for cyclists and pedestrians. It has also been designed so that boats can still navigate the River Chelmer.

Infrastructure projects enabling regeneration

The bridge isn’t the only infrastructure project bringing the area back into use. Cadent is also continuing works to relocate a key Gas Pressure Reduction System and associated gas mains away from the old gasworks so that a new community can be delivered at the site. The new infrastructure is being supported by a mix of contributions, including funding from the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund, Section 106 funding from Taylor Wimpey, and other developer contributions collected by the city council.

The transformation of Chelmer Waterside has been a long time coming. Located just a short walk from the city centre, the area has been earmarked for regeneration for decades. The development aims to breathe new life into the former industrial site and transform it into a desirable urban neighbourhood which makes better use of Chelmsford’s waterways.

The area will also pay a part in addressing the city’s housing crisis with aspirations for 35% of the properties being affordable homes.

Cllr Lynne Foster, the council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Chelmsford, says the new bridge is an exciting next step towards a new neighbourhood.

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“It’s fantastic to see the new bridge starting to take shape, which will help take this site to a whole new level. 400 homes have already been completed here, but the infrastructure being delivered will begin a new phase for this underutilised part of the city, helping us to make the most of a unique area overlooking three waterways. It will enable the city council to create a vibrant, new neighbourhood with a range of local facilities.

“Chelmsford needs many new homes, and we must develop brownfield sites in sustainable locations wherever we can. These aren’t always the easiest sites to bring forward, but they are worth the effort, and key projects like the new bridge are essential to realising this potential.”

Cllr Lynne Foster, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Chelmsford

What’s next?

For those interested in following the project’s progress, regular updates will be available on the Chelmsford City Council website and through the Chelmer Waterside newsletter.

 Go to www.chelmsford.gov.uk/waterside to find out more.