Spectacular footage released records an innovative new footbridge dropped into place in Taplow, Buckinghamshire.

The 36.7-meter-span Berry Hill bridge was expertly floated on a barge to its destination, reopening an essential pedestrian connection in June.

This project, an inspired design by AtkinsRéalis and executed by Topbond, succeeded in replacing the former bridge, removed due to decay, and in-turn restored local access to leisure facilities and amenities.

Wai Kin Lau, Project Manager at AtkinsRéalis said: "This was a rewarding project to work on because it restored a crucial community link and we delivered it a way that minimised environmental impact.

"The footage shows how the site presented unique challenges, but all partners involved demonstrated creative collaboration and engineering ingenuity."

Steven Broadbent, Buckinghamshire Council's Cabinet Member for Transport, hailed the success of the project: "This impressive new structure is the result of a productive partnership between the council, our consultants AtkinsRéalis and Topbond, working regularly with the Environment Agency.

"Closing the old bridge carrying a well-used public right of way in 2021 was a difficult but necessary decision so we wanted to bring the bridge back into use as soon as we could.

"The removal of the failed centre span by river on a barge attracted a crowd, so it was no surprise that when the new section was installed they returned to watch and were keen to cross the new structure as soon as they could."

Topbond Managing Director, Chris Manning addressed the innovative solution used: "Our team developed a bespoke pontoon system with jacking towers, allowing us to safely float and position the new bridge span.

"This method not only ensured minimal disruption to the flood relief channel but also allowed for work to be quickly suspended if high water flows were predicted."