Skip to main content

Arup, Mabey launch Pedesta, a modular glass-fibre polymer bridge

Arup and Mabey have launched what they claim is the first modular glass-fibre reinforced polymer footbridge, with Mabey becoming the first licensed distributor. Based on a concept by engineering design company Arup, Mabey debuted the bridge, called Pedesta, at Bridges 2017, a one-day conference and exhibition in the English city of Coventry in March. The Mabey Group specialises in the design and provision of temporary works including propping and jacking as well as environmental monitoring services, formw
May 22, 2018 Read time: 2 mins
The Pedesta bridge comes in any length to suit site requirements
Arup and Mabey have launched what they claim is the first modular glass-fibre reinforced polymer footbridge, with Mabey becoming the first licensed distributor.


Based on a concept by engineering design company 1419 Arup, Mabey debuted the bridge, called Pedesta, at Bridges 2017, a one-day conference and exhibition in the English city of Coventry in March.

The Mabey Group specialises in the design and provision of temporary works including propping and jacking as well as environmental monitoring services, formwork and falsework systems and the hire of non-mechanical groundworks equipment.

The post-tensioned Pedesta bridge can be assembled in remote or hard-to-reach sites inaccessible to large cranes and heavy machinery. Mabey said that the bridge provides a safer alternative to level crossings where traditional pedestrian bridges cannot be installed. Being 70% lighter than steel, the modules require only a pallet truck or forklift for transportation and handling, enabling faster, safer and more efficient project delivery.

The first bridge has been installed at a Site of Special Scientific Interest for Network Rail in Oxford. The bridge modules were light enough to be transported by an articulated truck, assembled on site and then lifted and positioned from a distance.


Pedesta is fully customisable its form, material, colour and finish. The material provides additional resistance to fire, graffiti, vandalism and ultraviolet radiation. It features include 1m-long identical modules fixed together with bolted shear connectors and then post-tensioned. The system allows spans of up to 30m so it can adapt to suit any application.

“We can see this bridge being useful for a whole host of global applications – from rail footbridges to road and river spans,” said Rebecca Stewart, an associate at Arup.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • New crushing and screening developments abounded at Hillhead
    October 3, 2014
    A wide array of crushing, screening and materials handling technologies have been introduced in recent months - Mike Woof writes The manufacturers of crushing and screening products have been developing an array of new systems to optimise production. The recent Hillhead show in the UK was the launch point for a number of these new products, although firms from all over the world have also been developing new designs. Productivity and wear life are two performance factors seeing major benefits from innovatio
  • Turkmenistan’s new bridge features novel waterproofing
    November 8, 2017
    Turkmenistan’s new bridge is benefiting from a novel sealing system that will optimise working life as well as maximising safety. A novel waterproofing solution is being utilised for the Turkmenabat - Farap Bridge in Turkmenistan. The project is of note as the structure is the longest metal span bridge in Central Asia. The client for the project is the state-owned firm Turkmenavtohowayollary, while the general contractor is Altcom Road Construction and the consultant engineer is Soyuztransproekt. Stirling
  • Hammerglass barriers for Förbifart Stockholm
    August 20, 2021
    Swedish firm Hammerglass is supplying its transparent PostFree sound barriers for the bypass.
  • RMD launches R800 panel girder
    July 19, 2022
    RMD Kwikform has launched its heavy-duty R800 modular panel girder system which the company says is the only CE-marked girder system on the market.