ACC/Specific/TBT-ACC-010

Temporary Footbridge Installation

Access & Temporary Structures › Specific › Temporary Footbridge Installation

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Location		Date

Temporary footbridges provide pedestrian access over excavations, watercourses, roads, and construction zones.
They must be designed to carry the expected pedestrian load plus any materials workers carry across.
Footbridges over public areas must also accommodate wheelchair users, pushchairs, and visually impaired people.
A minimum clear width of 1.2 metres is required for public footbridges to allow wheelchair access.
Guardrails at least 1.1 metres high with an intermediate rail and toe board are required on both sides.
The bridge deck must be non-slip and maintained free of mud, ice, and debris at all times.
Installation often requires crane lifting of prefabricated sections, with a LOLER-compliant lift plan.
Temporary footbridges are temporary works requiring design, TWC approval, and entry in the TW register.
Foundations and bearing points must be on stable ground capable of supporting the bridge and its loads.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 and Equality Act 2010 both apply to temporary footbridge provision.

Fall prevention	Footbridges without guardrails or with gaps in the deck allow pedestrians to fall into excavations or water below.
Public safety	Temporary footbridges used by the public must be safe, accessible, and maintained to prevent injury and complaints.
Structural collapse	Underdesigned or poorly maintained footbridges collapse under load, causing falls and crush injuries.

Don't

Design the footbridge for the maximum expected pedestrian and carried load.
Install guardrails at least 1.1 metres high on both sides with toe boards.
Provide a minimum 1.2 metre clear width for public footbridges.
Apply non-slip surfacing to the deck and maintain it free of ice and debris.
Register the footbridge as temporary works with TWC design approval.
Use a lift plan for crane installation of prefabricated bridge sections.
Include tactile paving and handrails for visually impaired pedestrians where public.
Inspect the footbridge daily and after adverse weather events.
Ensure foundations are on stable ground capable of supporting the full design load.
Light the footbridge adequately for safe use during hours of darkness.

DON'T use a temporary footbridge without guardrails on both sides.
DON'T allow the deck surface to become slippery from mud, ice, or algae.
DON'T exceed the design load by using the footbridge for material storage.
DON'T install a footbridge without temporary works design approval and registration.
DON'T provide a public footbridge narrower than 1.2 metres for wheelchair access.
DON'T place foundation bearings on soft or unstable ground without assessment.
DON'T leave gaps in the bridge deck where feet or wheels could become trapped.
DON'T allow vehicles or plant to cross a footbridge designed for pedestrians only.
DON'T remove the footbridge without providing an alternative safe pedestrian route.
DON'T skip daily inspections, especially after frost, rain, or high wind events.

See also: Temporary Access Safety Awareness | Pedestrian Walkway Diversions

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