Northern Ireland-headquartered GRAHAM Construction has successfully delivered the Bow Bridge Road, formerly known as the Chelmer Waterside Bridge, in Chelmsford, Essex, England.

Following 18 months of construction work, the completion and recent opening of the distinctive 50-metre pedestrian and road bridge, which features twin bowstring arches made from weathering steel, signifies a vital new infrastructure link that enhances connectivity and supports regeneration in the city.

The new bridge will provide essential access from Parkway to Chelmer Waterside, the city's largest brownfield site, creating a new gateway to this developing neighbourhood.

Andrew Henry, Contracts Director at GRAHAM, said: "We're immensely proud to have successfully delivered this iconic bridge project for Chelmsford City Council. The Chelmer Waterside Bridge showcases our civil engineering expertise and collaborative approach, working integrally with our client, design partner Buro Happold and supply chain to create a structure that is both functional and visually striking.

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"The project demonstrates the value of Early Contractor Involvement, which enabled us to develop innovative solutions to technical challenges, particularly around flood risk management and utility diversions. By focusing on efficient design and sustainable construction methods, we've created infrastructure that supports Chelmsford’s vision for urban regeneration while minimising environmental impact."

Andrew added: "This new bridge will serve as a gateway to the Waterside neighbourhood, improving accessibility for vehicles while offering safe and scenic routes for cyclists and pedestrians, all while allowing boats to continue navigating the River Chelmer."

The Chelmer Waterside project features several innovative design elements, including weathering steel screening that addresses flood risk while providing aesthetic appeal that complements the area's industrial heritage. The use of parametric modelling allowed the team to optimise the design, reducing both carbon emissions and costs.

The bridge is a key component of Chelmsford's regeneration plans, supporting the development of new housing and amenities at Chelmer Waterside. With 400 homes already completed in the area, the new infrastructure will unlock the next phase of development for this underutilised part of the city, which overlooks three waterways.