New Delhi: A new 16-metre long bridge has been built across the River Medway in Kent that has been made using old fishing nets, a UK government’s press release stated. According to the Environment Agency, the new bridge will be a significant carbon save as it will require less maintenance than conventional bridges.
The bridge is made from fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) which has been recycled from old fishing nets and is able to form a strong structure without the need for reinforced concrete walls. The old fishing nets were mostly block formed and could be laid by hand, mostly without the use of mortar, similar to Lego bricks. The system also allows for easy access to the river.
The bridge, weighing 3.5 tonnes, was shipped from the Netherlands to Nottinghamshire. It was then transported by road, barge, and crane to its final destination in Yalding. The bridge is now open to the public, and permanent handrails and a path surface to the ramps are due to be installed in the autumn.
Jason Adams, Environment Agency navigation manager for Kent, said, “The bridge is both light and strong, meaning we could install the structure in a difficult location. With its lighter weight we could also reduce the size of the supporting foundations required giving a lower carbon footprint.”
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