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Work Begins on Stowmarket Station's Innovative New Bridge
A pioneering modular design promises faster installation, accessibility, and sustainability for UK rail stations.
John Stephenson
December 11, 2024
Stowmarket Station's planned footbridge promises modern design and step-free accessibility for all passengers.
What happened
Construction has started on the UK's first modular AVA footbridge at Stowmarket rail station. This £5.5 million project, funded through the government’s Access for All scheme, will provide step-free access with integrated lifts, replacing the current outdated bridge.
A temporary bridge will keep the station operational during the works, with installation of the AVA bridge set for May 2025.
Built of stainless steel, the bridge promises a lifespan of 120 years with minimal maintenance.
Why it matters
Accessibility at UK rail stations has long been a challenge, especially for small and medium-sized stations. The AVA bridge addresses this issue while also tackling time, cost, and carbon inefficiencies.
Traditional footbridges are bespoke, time-intensive, and costly to install.
The AVA’s modular "plug-and-play" design reduces installation time by over half.
How they’re doing it
The AVA bridge introduces cutting-edge engineering and manufacturing techniques:
Factory-built components: Laser-cut stainless steel sheets are bolted into sub-assemblies.
Efficient installation: Pre-assembled sections can be installed in as little as 27 hours using cranes.
User-friendly lifts: Designed by ARX, the lifts are tested off-site for quick installation and include dual drive motors for reliability.
The elephant in the room: cost
At £5.5 million, the Stowmarket footbridge is on the high end of the typical £3m to £5m range for accessible footbridges. While the modular design promises long-term savings in installation time and maintenance, the upfront cost raises questions about financial sustainability. With many stations across the network requiring similar upgrades, can this investment model be replicated on a larger scale without putting undue strain on budgets?
What they’re saying
“Thanks to this revolutionary new style of bridge the scheme was affordable, and we have been able to use the Access for All funding efficiently and to the best outcome for passengers.”
“We want a bridge that is open and light so passengers feel secure, a bridge that looks modern, that makes people feel they’re travelling on a modern railway, we want lifts to be more reliable, and our colleagues want a bridge that’s easy to maintain, that can be installed more quickly and less disruptively.”
“Thanks to this revolutionary new style of bridge the scheme was affordable, and we have been able to use the Access for All funding efficiently and to the best outcome for passengers.”
The big picture
Stowmarket’s AVA bridge is just the beginning. This modular approach, developed by a consortium including Network Rail, ARX, and Expedition Engineering, could transform accessibility across the UK’s rail network.
Prototypes show promise for rapid deployment at other stations, with off-site manufacturing ensuring consistent quality.
The stainless steel design eliminates costly repainting and is 100% recyclable.
Bottom line
The AVA bridge at Stowmarket offers a faster, greener, and more accessible solution for the rail network. However, with a cost of £5.5 million, it’s on the higher end of the typical £3-£5 million range for accessible footbridges, raising questions about its financial sustainability for widespread use.