PROJECT DESCRIPTION
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The project provides a new road and pedestrian crossing of the River Stour. It replaces the existing bridge, which could no longer sustain 40 tonne articulated lorries. The bridge has been designed to be visually calm, providing a gentle profile to the landscape setting of the conservation area.

During the design process extensive public consultation was undertaken which included early exhibitions of the design options, an exhibition of the 5 shortlisted competition entries and a public questionnaire.

METHOD
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A project website www.ballingdonbridge.com was used throughout the project and included a notice board for comments, a gallery constantly updated with images of the construction and a webcam. The website allowed the project and construction site to be an educational resource explaining and revealing the design process not only to local residents but also to a wider audience.

The nature of the project meant that from the start there was a requirement to notify drivers of disruption to the bridge crossing. A one-way system was set up (with access to the bridge crossing controlled by traffic lights, monitored by CCTV cameras) and clear signage was introduced throughout the town. This was implemented to avoid unnecessary congestion or disruption for local residents and businesses.

Maintaining continuous access across the bridge for vehicles and pedestrians was a major part of the project. The client provided safe vantage points on the bridge and a permanent viewing platform with an information board, was situated upstream. Pedestrian access to the bridge was maintained, with marshals escorting residents across, during major events such as the craning in of the temporary bridge and precast units. Picnics have also taken place on the banks of the river Stour on these occasions.

Regular press releases and paid "adverts" were used to explain the progress and ongoing work as well as providing notifications of major events that would affect the public. Other projects included a school liaison project, public meetings with a full design team presence, guided tours around the site and a public exhibition of the Archaeological Material discovered during the works

Brookes Stacey Randall were also committed to communicating the design intent and strategic approach to the new Ballingdon Bridge in a wider sphere and a lecture entitled Morphing - the Design of the New Ballingdon Bridge has been given to schools of architecture and interest groups in Britain, Canada and Holland.

BENEFIT
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The careful planning of public information and involvement with the scheme enabled a complicated and potentially disruptive project to run smoothly. The client recognises that they have received fewer complaints than would generally be expected for a project of this nature. Working closely with the public from the very early stages and continuing this throughout construction has generated a greater understanding of the complexity of the work involved.