Arup offers expertise on all aspects of the planning, design and construction of bridges across the world and in many climates. The firm's experience covers small and large projects and includes bridges carrying roads, railways, pedestrians and pipes over roads, rails, valleys, rivers and seas.
Arup has worked with a range of clients, including governments, public authorities, highway and railway owners, and has won competitions and awards for its innovative design and execution of beautiful and functional bridges.
The firm's bridge experience is integrated with other areas of its offering, such as highways, rail and geotechnics, ensuring seamless design and unrivalled expertise to clients.
World class
Working for the Hong Kong Highways Department, Arup has designed and supervised the construction of Stonecutters Bridge which, on completion, will have the world's second longest cable-stayed span of 1,018m. Stonecutters Bridge will cross the entrance to Kwai Chung container port as part of Route 8 between Tsing Yi and Cheung Sha Wan and will provide a distinctive landmark at the entrance to one of the world's busiest ports.
Collaborative working
The Medway Viaduct forms a vital part of High Speed 1, the UK's first high speed railway and the international rail link between London and mainland Europe, and won the Civil Engineering Award from the UK Concrete Society. The sheer scale of this project allowed Arup to provide an integrated service to the client through a multidisciplinary approach to rail, road, environmental and bridge design.
Joining nations
Arup led the design, tender, evaluation, construction monitoring and supervision for the 8km long bridge forming part of the Øresund Link, which connects Sweden and Denmark. The link, consisting of a 4km submerged tunnel, a 4km artificial island and an 8km bridge crossing an international shipping channel, was completed three months ahead of schedule and below budget. The navigation span of the main bridge is 490m, the longest cable-stayed span in the world for road and heavy train loading.
Innovation
A well-designed footbridge invites you to cross it. Arup ensures that every bridge is appropriate to its context, and meets the client's needs. Millennium Bridge, London, UK, was the capital's first dedicated pedestrian bridge built since 1894. The design and construction of the bridge allowed an interdisciplinary approach from Arup, incorporating geotechnical, structural and maritime engineering. In addition, Arup was able to use innovative technology to ensure that the suspension cable configuration was six times shallower than for a conventional suspension bridge.
Arup's bridges continue to inspire all who use them, as well as complementing the landscape around them.