The Myrke Footbridge (Michael's Bridge) Number 19

Today I visited the structure for the first time this year.

It is impossible to view the sides and underside of the structure due to overgrown shrubbery. A boat, drone and cherry-picker may be helpful. The Myrke footbridge (number 19) over the Jubilee River is located here.

Renamed Michael’s Bridge after a 2015 tragedy

The decking needs some attention

The construction of the Myrke footbridge differs slightly from the failed Berry Hill, Ashford Lane and Black Potts timber footbridges. Firstly there are four adjustable stainless steel suspension rods on each of two timber towers.

It should be noted that the vertical timbers on the towers are separating – the light is clearly visible between the timbers.

This is a better view of the gap between the individual tower timbers. The horizontal fastenings are visible through the gap.

The horizontal fastenings appear to be a series of metal rods with painted ends (probably stainless steel and approximately 20mm in diameter) hammered into stopped holes in the timber. These fastenings may be capable of resisting shear forces but are unable to resist tension thus allowing the separation of the timbers over time.

Two views of the fastenings that connect the vertical timbers to create the towers are shown below. Note the embedded steel plates (two red vertical lines) and the 64 small (probably 10mm diameter stainless steel rods) used as fasteners.

Secondly – the two main supporting beams on the underside of the decking are of laminated construction. I was unable to get any closer due to the shrubbery. I would not be surprised to find significant longitudinal cracking and also that the ends of these beams had rotted in a similar manner to the other bridges.

It also appears that some structural strengthening has already been implemented on the diagonal crossmembers. Look closely and you will see overlaid timbers bolted into position

In conclusion – I requested an AI assessment of the multiple local timber footbridge issues. The answer is as follows:

Common Failing Pattern

These bridges share a pattern where they were built as cost-effective timber solutions (Temple in 1989, Berry Hill around the same era) but have systematically failed after 30-35 years rather than their intended 50+ year lifespan. The combination of river environment exposure, inadequate preservation treatment, and insufficient maintenance budgets has created a recurring infrastructure crisis requiring expensive emergency closures and replacements.

The fundamental issue appears to be that the initial cost savings of timber construction are offset by shortened operational life and high replacement costs, making them poor long-term value compared to more durable materials.

(Below – added 28/7/2025)

When is a Timber footbridge Inspection Report not what it seems to be? ANSWER – When you read it!

Thank you for the copy of the Myrke Footbridge Superficial Inspection report dated 2024.

In my opinion the word ‘superficial’ clearly identifies the numerous shortcomings in this report.

I do think there is adequate and compelling evidence (see below) available to justify the need for a thorough and complete Inspection Report as a matter of urgency. If the structural integrity of this footbridge is found to be satisfactory – then we should consider ourselves to be lucky this time. There is still the issue of ‘who pays’?

Timber footbridge listing: Temple, Berry Hill, Ashford Lane, The Myrke, Black Potts and others still to be identified.

Berry Hill is open only because it has a new metal central span. Temple and Black Potts are both closed and Ashford Lane has collapsed. This is a sad story but with a long way still to run.

END

The Myrke Footbridge (Michael’s Bridge) Number 19

Common Failing Pattern

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