Pooley Bridge

Project Overview
We were awarded a multi-million-pound contract to fabricate a new bridge for the historic village of Pooley Bridge in the Lake District. The original 18th-century stone arch bridge, which had served as a vital transport link since 1764, was destroyed during Storm Desmond in December 2015. The replacement is the UK’s first stainless steel road bridge of its kind… A contemporary structure that blends innovation with sensitivity to its surroundings.

Engineering Excellence
Designed by Knight Architects and installed by Eric Wright Civil Engineering, the new bridge is an open-spandrel arch design with a 40-metre span. Constructed from 110 tonnes of Duplex 2205 stainless steel and concrete, it was fabricated at WEC Group’s Darwen-based facilities, with component profiling in Rotherham.

The bridge was fabricated in four sections, requiring approximately 22,000 man-hours. A custom jig was designed to allow simultaneous work on multiple sections, increasing efficiency and precision. Once complete, the structure was delivered to site and lifted into place using a 1,200-tonne crane, one of the largest in the UK.

Overcoming Challenges
Despite delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, m-tec implemented robust health and safety measures to ensure progress continued. The bridge was first assembled on-site using a temporary support system, before being lifted into its final position in a carefully planned operation. The location and structural complexity required precise planning and execution at every stage.

Environmental and Structural Advantages
The use of stainless steel provided notable sustainability benefits, including lower long-term maintenance costs and reduced environmental impact. The combination of stainless steel and concrete resulted in a lightweight yet resilient structure, designed to withstand extreme weather and reduce the overall carbon footprint of the build.

A Lasting Legacy
Tom Elliot commented:
“This complex bridge structure is a wonderful addition to the beautiful landscape surrounding Pooley Bridge. We are proud to have been chosen for this project and to continue our tradition of manufacturing excellence in architectural metalwork and bridge fabrication.”

The completion of Pooley Bridge marks another milestone for WEC Group in the delivery of landmark infrastructure. It joins the company’s portfolio of prestigious projects, including the Meads Reach Bridge in Bristol, and reinforces WEC’s position as a UK leader in high-spec structural and architectural metalwork.

Now open to pedestrians and single-lane vehicles, the new Pooley Bridge has reconnected the local community and stands as a powerful example of British engineering and design innovation.