Diglis swing bridges, UK – a case study of movable timber bridges

The Diglis swing bridges are two Victorian timber swing footbridges owned by British Waterways that have been recently replaced as part of the regeneration of the Diglis canal basins in Worcester, UK. The original bridges, which rotate in a horizontal plane to allow the passage of canal boats using a pintle and roller bearing mechanism, were in a poor state of repair. Replacements to both bridges were designed and constructed, utilising many of the original metallic elements such as the kingposts, rod stays and turning handles. The replacements needed to be faithful to the heritage of the original structures, but with consideration given to modern design standards. Construction details in oak were developed that were capable of withstanding the design loads, but were in keeping with the original structures. Sustainable sources of oak timbers had to be identified prior to construction. In 2006, the new bridges received the ICE West Midlands Sustainability Award in recognition of the efforts undertaken to replace the original structures in a sensitive manner.