Britcon was appointed by Lincolnshire County Council to deliver the design and construction of the new St Botolph’s Footbridge in Boston. The £1.7 million project replaced an ageing pedestrian bridge dating from the 1970s that crossed the River Witham. Designed as a striking gateway feature for the town, the new 65-metre-long bowstring arch bridge combines modern engineering with architectural appeal, creating a landmark structure that improves connectivity and enhances the surrounding public realm.
Scope of Works
The project comprised the full design and build replacement of the existing footbridge, including the demolition and removal of the original structure and the installation of a new iconic bowstring arch bridge. Britcon undertook extensive civil engineering, steelwork and public realm improvements as part of the scheme. Works included mini anchor piling, major trenching activities, fabrication and off-site painting of the steel bridge structure, installation using a 1,000 tonne crane, tensioned cable systems, stainless steel illuminated handrails, and associated landscaping and paving upgrades. The bridge was fabricated in three sections before transportation and assembly on site.
Challenges
Delivering the project within a busy town centre environment presented a number of technical and logistical challenges. The bridge crossed the River Witham, requiring careful planning to minimise disruption to surrounding businesses, residents and river users. Maintaining operation of the existing crossing for as long as possible during construction was a key priority. Due to the complexity of the structure, the bridge design was subject to a Category 3 independent design check to verify all engineering calculations and approvals. Additional challenges included undertaking piling works in close proximity to historic structures, managing heavy lifting operations within a constrained urban setting, and controlling vibration impacts through the use of specialist mini anchor piling techniques.
Outcomes
The completed St Botolph’s Footbridge has become a prominent landmark within Boston, providing a safe and attractive pedestrian route across the River Witham. The elegant arch structure, complemented by decorative lighting and stainless steel features, creates a welcoming entrance to the town while significantly improving accessibility and user experience. Delivered successfully within the 21 week programme, the project demonstrates Britcon’s expertise in complex bridge construction, steel engineering and public infrastructure delivery, leaving a lasting legacy for Lincolnshire County Council and the local community.