ASSET MULTIPLATE UNDERPASS - BISHOPTHORPE BRIDGE

BISHOPTHORPE, ENGLAND

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Bishopthorpe Bridge carries the Appleton Road over a footpath/cycleway owned by the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust. It is a single carriageway with one lane of traffic in each direction. An assessment of Bishopthorpe Bridge found the structure to be incapable of carrying 40 tonnes of assessment live loading, and recommended that an 18 tonnes weight restriction should be imposed.

PROBLEM SOLVED

The asset MultiPlate MP200 corrugated steel underpass provides a compliant and durable strengthening solution for Bishopthorpe Bridge, transforming the structure into a fully load‑carrying system in accordance with Highway Structures and Bridges CD 375, and the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB). The system safely accommodates 40‑tonne highway loading and STGO vehicles, enabling removal of the existing 18‑tonne TTRO and restoring full operational capacity.

The bolted, galvanised steel structure with foamed concrete infill offers rapid installation, minimal disruption, and a 120‑year design life with low maintenance requirements. The solution integrates effectively with the existing bridge, incorporates environmental mitigation measures, and delivers a resilient, cost‑effective upgrade fully aligned with the Approval in Principle requirements.

ESG

The new asset MultiPlate structure has been specifically designed to accommodate both human traffic and wildlife, including:

Social: The required structure envelope was provided by the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, and allows clearance for cycling, equestrian and maintenance access.

Environment: Environmental mitigation, including ecological constraints, bat tubes, swift bricks, and habitat protection.