The Deep Rotating Footbridge

In order to improve access to The Deep Visitor Centre, Spencer Group designed and installed 2 new bridges over the River Hull and an associated walkway on behalf of EMIH Ltd.

Key Project Details

Client EMIH Ltd
Duration 9 months
Location Hull

Project Scope

The scheme involved the design and construction of a 34m span Swing Bridge across the navigable River Hull forming the pedestrian entrance to ‘The Deep’ Ocean Research and Visitor Centre. The bridge forms part of a waterfront promenade and provides pedestrian access from central Hull to ‘The Deep’ aquarium, as it joins the Humber’s estuary.

The architectural form of the bridge features an elevated counterweight box with balance loads being transferred through pre-tensioned bars. The contract included the complete electrical drive and control system featuring 5 invertor-controlled drive units, each comprising a 5.5kW braked motor and epicyclic planetary gearbox with a torque limiter between, providing drive system protection in the event of ship impact with the bridge.

As part of the wider scheme of works, we also designed and constructed 100m of fixed spans and an additional demountable bridge over the existing dry-dock, including piled foundations and a blocked paved walkway area. The majority of works were undertaken utilising Spencer Group’s internal floating craft, the ‘Meeuw’, reducing the amount of land required for construction.

The project involved

34 metre swing footbridge
100 metre fixed spans

Outcome

Spencer Group engaged our marine partner, Qualter Hall, to assist with the delivery of the scheme. We worked closely with Hull City Council and the marine authorities to ensure the River Hull remained open to boats when necessary and no unplanned disruptions occurred. As part of the commissioning phase, we trained EMIH Ltd and Hull City Council in the operation of the bridge from the control building.


Find out more about our Bridges services

The project involved

Design and construction of 2 footbridges