Bow Bridge Road

GRAHAM successfully delivered the iconic £16m Chelmer Waterside Bridge (known as “Bow Bridge Road”) in Chelmsford,featuring distinctive twin bowstring arches made from weathering steel. The 50-metre pedestrian and road bridge provides essential access from Parkway to Chelmer Waterside, the city’s largest brownfield site, whilst allowing for future boat navigation on the River Chelmer and supporting the area’s regeneration plans, serving as a gateway to the Waterside neighbourhood.

The project presented several complex technical challenges, including flood risk management requirements and extensive utility diversions around the River Chelmer. The location at Chelmsford’s largest brownfield site required careful consideration of existing infrastructure and environmental constraints, whilst ensuring the bridge would serve as an appropriate gateway to complement the area’s industrial heritage.

GRAHAM employed Early Contractor Involvement to develop innovative solutions to the technical challenges faced. Working collaboratively with client Chelmsford City Council, design partner Buro Happold, and the supply chain, the team created an integral bridge design featuring distinctive twin bowstring arches made from weathering steel.
The bridge’s bowstring arches were manufactured off-site in eight separate pieces, welded on location and fitted with stainless steel tensioning bars to allow them to maintain their shape.