Pedestrian Bridge

By Redazione The Plan - 11 January 2010

The new pedestrian bridge in Casalecchio di Reno just outside Bologna is part of a wider urban regeneration plan to link the town centre with its outlying residential neighbours.
The project design had to comply with strict functional, environmental and economic constraints set by the client. The structural solution adopted was of a stay-suspended arching deck.
The two main carrying cables distributing loads, transmitted from the deck through the system of hanging tie rods, are in galvanized spiral steel to protect against corrosion. The stabilizing system comprises a series of counter-curved stays on the outside of the deck. The horizontal and vertical traction forces generated by this tensile structure of carrying and stabilizing cables are offset and grounded by a 4-guy A-shaped anchorage system. The gantry and all steel structure work parts are sandblasted, treated and painted.
The bridge railing comprises steel uprights through which eight spiral cables pass on each side. The handrail is in circular-section tubular stainless steel. The deck is lit by spotlights set into the railing uprights.
The wooden slat deck ends on both sides with semi-circular connection and waiting areas that give direct access to walkways leading to the existing road and path system.