A New Chapter for a Flat Timber Bridge in Suffolk
Set among mature trees and overlooking the water, this bridge had long been a feature of our client’s Suffolk garden. But the original timber structure had become rotten and was no longer safe to use. The client needed a replacement that would restore the crossing and look at home in it’s surroundings — and they needed it completed before a party planned for three months later.
Coulson’s Bridges took responsibility for the whole project, from removing the old bridge and renewing the concrete foundations to building and installing the new one.
The Problem
The existing bridge was 14 metres long, with two sections meeting on a brick pier in the water. Its position made it an attractive route through the garden, but the deterioration of the timber meant it could no longer serve that purpose safely.
Replacing it involved more than making two new spans. The new bridge had to fit the site and meet neatly at the central pier. The foundations also needed attention before installation could begin.
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Designing the Replacement
For this project, we created a flat bridge rather than one of the arched designs we are often asked to make. The straight profile suited the existing crossing and gave us an opportunity to make something a little different.
The finished bridge measures 14 metres in total. It is made up of two 7-metre bridges that meet on the brick pier. We used Accoya timber for the bridge, creating a clean, detailed structure with straight handrails and timber balustrades. The deck is pressure treated softwood with GripDeck inserts.
The design gives the new crossing a strong presence without overwhelming the garden. From the side, the long, level line of the bridge sits comfortably above the water; from the deck, the timber railings frame the view between the two banks.
Removing the Old Bridge and Preparing the Site
Our team removed the rotten structure before redoing the concrete foundations for the replacement. Working around the existing water and electrical ducting was an important part of planning and carrying out this stage.
Taking care of the removal and groundwork ourselves meant we could manage the transition from the old structure to the new one as a single project. It also allowed us to keep a close eye on the programme, which mattered with the customer’s event already in the diary.
Building and Installing the New Bridge
Once the foundations were ready, our team installed the sections and brought them together to form the full 14-metre crossing.
The photographs show how much the replacement has changed the space. The fresh Accoya timber stands out against the water and greenery, while the flat profile follows the route of the original bridge. The new deck and railings make the crossing feel like a considered part of the garden rather than simply a way to get across the water.
The Result
The client once again has a safe bridge linking the two sides of the garden. We completed the removal, foundations and installation within the three-month deadline, so the crossing was ready in time for their party.
For us, the project was also a chance to show the range of bespoke work we can undertake. While many of our bridges have an arch, this flat design was tailored to the existing site and the client’s needs, with our team overseeing every stage from start to finish.