Just downstream from the Roman Bridge at Willowford is an award winning modern steel bridge. This is the first bridge that has crossed the River Irthing at Willowford, and I suppose many miles down stream as well, since Roman Times. People used to cross the river by wading or we have been told by local people, that there was a flying fox type of rope crossing. The Bridge was designed by Napper Architects (a practice based in Newcastle). The design is in steel, gently curved across the river, and beautifully uses the curve of the bridge to cover the difference in height between the banks. The main material is Corten which is a weathering steel. The steel rusts and forms a protective film to stop further rusting. There is no painting and maintenance is minimal.
As this area is sensitive countryside with little access for heavy lorries, the bridge was fabricated in two sections and helicoptered in, (no doubt the local MOD base at Spadeadam helped here as this is only a few miles away and often seems to fly helicopters and jets around us). There must have been some temporary works on the middle of the river to support the bridge while is was bolted up. The hand rails are hardwood(?) with stainless steel cables used for the infill. The deck again would appear to be hardwood as this is unprotected.
Cross bracing can be seen on the underside and it is supported by 2 columns at the “higher” end. Interestingly, when you walk across, you can set the bridge moving as by walking heavily on it, the deck starts to respond. The bridge was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and won a Regional Architectural Award (which I assume was administered by RIBA).
