The bridge is to become part of a well established arboretum and garden. Whilst the brook is only about 2m wide the banks have determined that the bridge needs to be 10m in length. There is about a 560mm drop in levels between the two foundations. There is limited access to the site, with established cherry and magnolia trees adjacent, which means that the bridge will have to be constructed in situ.
The foundations were set out by David Dobson, Brian Thompson, Clerk of Works to the estate, and myself on 3rd May, 2006.
A platform needed to be constructed across the brook to facilitate access and onto which a mobile gantry will be used to manoeuvre the beams into place. Twenty-nine sleepers, lent by John Barber, were placed in the bottom of the brook to help spread the load. This was completed on 9th May, 2006.
The foundations were dug by myself, Caroline Burn and the gardening staff which included Neil Mole, head gardener, Kevin, Michael and apprentice Allan during week of 19th May, 2006. A trench 4m x 1.2m x 500mm was dug one either side of the bank with shuttering as necessary.
The concrete was poured on 25th May, 2006 with myself, Caroline Burn, Neil and Jimmy Mole, Michael, Kevin and Nick in attendance. We hired a 9 tonne dumper for the job. All went to plan.
