Dear Mr Larcombe
We are writing in response to your request for information, received 3 September 2025, regarding 250903/JA01 FoI request – timber footbridge design and construction .
Temple footbridge has now been partially dismantled. I received a response from the Environment Agency to my FoI request (Sept 2nd) for the Temple footbridge technical drawings.
NOTE FROM IAN 26-10-2025
Ewan,
Thank you for sending the drawing
I am not a qualified bridge construction engineer but make the following basic comments.
1. There are no specific abutment details for either end.
2. The north end abutment appears to be more substantial than the south.
3. The south end does not appear to have any width of support metal or otherwise carrying out from the beam spreading load , spring , or expansion to the buttress , maybe another detail drawing exists showing this.
4. The metal materials listed include galvanised steel, this would indicate that there is a calculated lifespan , relative to the protective element of the coating being introduced to continuously water impregnated wood.
5. Wood construction has a deteriorating life span , Including HMS Victory which has almost none of its original timbers. What is the intended lifespan of this bridge,
The questions I asked in your DHW News require answers.
Regards,
Ian.
END