Chelmer Waterside Bridge now named “Bow Bridge Road” has officially opened today (Friday 11th July), delivering a vital new infrastructure link that enhances connectivity and supports regeneration in the city – on behalf of Chelmsford City Council.
Following 18 months of construction work, the distinctive 50-metre pedestrian and road bridge, featuring twin bowstring arches made from weathering steel. The new bridge will provide essential access from Parkway to Chelmer Waterside, the city’s largest brownfield site, creating a new gateway to this developing neighbourhood.
Andrew Henry, Contracts Director at GRAHAM, said:
“We’re immensely proud to have successfully delivered this iconic bridge project for Chelmsford City Council. The Chelmer Waterside Bridge showcases our civil engineering expertise and collaborative approach, working integrally with our client, design partner Buro Happold and supply chain to create a structure that is both functional and visually striking.
“The project demonstrates the value of Early Contractor Involvement, which enabled us to develop innovative solutions to technical challenges, particularly around flood risk management and utility diversions. By focusing on efficient design and sustainable construction methods, we’ve created infrastructure that supports Chelmsford’s vision for urban regeneration while minimising environmental impact.
Andrew added: “This new bridge will serve as a gateway to the Waterside neighbourhood, improving accessibility for vehicles while offering safe and scenic routes for cyclists and pedestrians, all while allowing boats to continue navigating the River Chelmer.”
Councillor Stephen Robinson, Leader of Chelmsford City Council said,
“Today marks a substantial step forward in the regeneration of this important city centre site. Bow Bridge Road is a significant element of the infrastructure needed to unlock new areas of Chelmer Waterside, helping the council to deliver new homes and a better-connected community. Investment in infrastructure of this kind – in advance of development – supports the long-term growth and sustainability of new neighbourhoods like Chelmer Waterside and I want to thank the whole project team for helping us to accomplish this remarkable achievement.”
The Chelmer Waterside project features several innovative design elements, including weathering steel screening that addresses flood risk while providing aesthetic appeal that complements the area’s industrial heritage. The use of parametric modelling allowed the team to optimise the design, reducing both carbon emissions and costs.
The bridge is a key component of Chelmsford’s regeneration plans, supporting the development of new housing and amenities at Chelmer Waterside. With 400 homes already completed in the area, the new infrastructure will unlock the next phase of development for this underutilised part of the city, which overlooks three waterways.
The project aligns with Chelmsford’s sustainability goals, incorporating cement replacement to reduce embodied carbon and featuring an integral bridge design that eliminates the need for bearings and reduces maintenance requirements.
The successful completion of the Chelmer Waterside Bridge adds to GRAHAM’s growing portfolio of infrastructure projects across the UK, and further demonstrates the company’s ability to deliver complex engineering solutions that create lasting impact for communities.
