Walsden: Ramsden Lane: Footbridge at Ramsden Clough
A footbridge is planned to cross the stream just above the weir in Ramsden Clough. (see map).
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| Map 1: Site of replacement footbridge marked in blue |
The existing two-stringer footbridge has extensive rot especially in the downstream stringer. The best long-term solution is to replace the whole bridge with a cross-braced, three-stringer structure.
The detail.
Today's work for Steve and Frank H was:
i) to carryout preparatory work on the stringers at the depot
ii) to check access to and any safety issues about the worksite
i) The stringers:
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| Picture 1: |
A stringer (6.0 m x 175 mm x 75 mm ) has been laid out. Handrail posts (already cut, shaped and pre-drilled to accept two 10 mm diameter bolts) are held in position for continuation holes to be drilled through the stringers. If the measuring is accurate, seven posts at right-angles to the stringers can later be firmly bolted in place. Mmm! Not much room for error.
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| Picture 2: |
The three stringers will be spaced further apart than in the picture to give an overall 720 mm width of walkway. The stringers will be cross-braced by 'noggins'. In the picture, the small wooden blocks on the inside faces of the stringers act as 'stops' to push the noggins against prior to nailing.
In this way an extremely rigid construction which is resistant to sag will be created. The addition of cross-treads will help 'tie' the whole structure together.
ii) The worksite
A vist to Ramsden Clough revealed that the level access path to the footbridge was (despite recent torrential downpours) in good condition and safe underfoot. Swift work with shears and slasher created a bramble and bracken-free working area and some investigatory work emphasised the extent of the decay.
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| Picture 3: Very rotten! One poke with a jemmy and decayed timber flakes away. |
More next week (weather permitting) when the real work begins. It will be a long day of construction!
