Transport bridges are a critical part of the UK’s infrastructure, however, many bridges are showing signs of ageing and coming to the end of their lifecycle. Some experts believe that existing UK bridges are operating at only a fraction of their actual capacity, which is a result of probability-based design rules and delivery methods. A lack of alternative materials to reinforced concrete is also a limiting factor to reducing our carbon footprint in the repair and development of new bridges
The High Value Manufacturing Catapult has created the ‘Bridge Of The Future programme’ to address some of the key challenges in the way that we design, build and maintain UK road bridges in a more sustainable way. The programme will create a hub for stakeholders responsible for the construction and maintenance of UK infrastructure, and the enabling supply chain, to collaborate with technology providers with the aim to decarbonise the bridges of the future.
To achieve our mission, we intend to create a delivery mechanism where technologies can be developed and proven in an iterative manner and deployed continuously in UK bridges for decarbonisation and modernisation.
We want to work with key stakeholders in UK bridge construction and maintenance. If innovation is a key driver for your business and you are interested in collaborating in the Bridge of the Future programme, or would like to find out more, please contact us on: BridgeOfTheFuture@hvm.catapult.org.uk
