Giant arches crown the Thames as Walton Bridge takes shape
GOLDEN arches that will span the River Thames are being put in place on the new Walton Bridge.
It is ten months since the construction of the Thames' first major bridge in more than 20 years began.
But the installation of the 99 metre giant arches means the structure is finally taking shape.
The four sections of arches, each weighing 138 tonnes, have been delivered in stages from subcontractors Maybey Bridge in Chepstow over the past month.
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A 600-tonne crane is being used to lift each segment into place, with the first two arches lifted in during the nights of October 23 and 24.
The crane is now being relocated to the Elmbridge side of the river to start the second phase lifts, which are due to commence on November 2.
Linking Walton-on-Thames and Shepperton, the bridge will improve access to several schools, major employers and shopping centres.
It is due to be completed by the summer of 2013 when it will replace two long-serving temporary bridges next to it.
The Surrey County Council project has been praised by Transport Minister Norman Baker as an "important scheme" that would "aid economic growth".
The new bridge is being built by Costain and around 34,000 vehicles use the current road crossing on week days.
Andrew Woodward, Walton Bridge project manager said: "The project is on programme, with the main bridge to be open during summer 2013.
"Once the bridge is open, we will then work on the removal of the existing bridges and complete the landscaping work by April 2014."
As previously reported, members of the public can find out more about the project at a meeting to be held at The Playhouse, Bridge Street, Walton-on-Thames on Wednesday December 5 from 6.30pm.
Comments
by morleypg
Friday, November 02 2012, 5:24PM
“You'll find a warm welcome at Weybridge Rowing Club.”
by morleypg
Friday, November 02 2012, 5:22PM
“I am in the crew in your picture across Cowey Sale looking at the new bridge arches. Here is a poem I wrote just after the outing pictured. Crew are Nicole Szabason and Peter Morley from Weybridge Rowing Club.
The old sculler steered the broad reach at Cowey Sale.
From behind, powerful wings sythed the air; musical.
A white leader, and apprentices at his tail, passed close over;
practising their cob-ly flight.
At right angles geese in a skein honked towards the back river.
All was well in the morning light.
Spring was fresh, inviting; long summer days rewarding;
now, in autumn, reflecting. Winter will be dark and cold.
The slender craft glided, sliding up the cut navigation.
Under the upper cut bridge; elation.
Where morning mists linger
and raucous parakeets pierce the sunbeams.
Hush; don't wake the sleeping angler,
in his bivouac, dreaming fishy dreams.
Spring was fresh, inviting; long summer days rewarding;
now, in autumn, reflecting. Winter will be dark and cold.
The sun was rising – the day still early –
silver, slightly towards golden; pearly
and, on the water, a silver coruscation.
Just enough breeze, the surface to disturb
into jostling prisms of illumination.
Dazzling, uplifting, superb.
Spring was fresh, inviting; long summer days rewarding;
now, in autumn, reflecting. Winter will be dark and cold.
The boat's fine stern unzipped the sunlit reflection
that followed the little boat's line; perfection.
But this sculler has seen stronger days;
he no longer welcomes the time that flows
and steals his strength and skilful ways.
It will not get better; this he knows.
Spring was fresh, inviting; long summer days rewarding;
now, in autumn, reflecting. Winter will be dark and cold.”