AVA Bridge Prototype Shows the Future of Accessible Stations

A full-scale prototype of the AVA Bridge has been constructed, offering a glimpse into the future of accessible railway stations. The innovative design features fully operational lifts, allowing railway clients and constructors to experience its modular design firsthand. Built by McNealy Brown at their Sittingbourne site, the bridge has been on display for over a month, giving hundreds of railway professionals the opportunity to assess its functionality and efficiency.

The AVA Bridge Design

The AVA bridge is crafted from stainless steel, designed to be more reliable, low-maintenance, and aesthetically pleasing compared to traditional station bridges. The modular structure is built to last, without the need for regular painting, and focuses on improving accessibility for all passengers. The plug-and-play lifts ensure fast setup and easy maintenance, enhancing the overall user experience.

How the Modular Design Works

The bridge’s modular design allows for rapid construction, cutting the time needed on-site by more than half compared to traditional methods. This results in fewer disruptions for passengers and nearby communities during installation. The structure is designed to be a long-lasting solution, requiring less frequent maintenance while providing a reliable, accessible crossing point for station users.

Once the AVA bridge is fully installed, its stainless steel structure and modular components ensure ease of upkeep, reducing long-term costs and making it a sustainable choice for railway infrastructure.

Key Benefits

• Innovation in Design: The AVA bridge represents a significant shift in how railway infrastructure can be built. Its modular design and stainless steel construction offer a more efficient, attractive, and long-lasting solution for railway stations across the UK.
• Improved Accessibility: Designed with passengers in mind, the AVA bridge provides better accessibility features, making stations more inclusive and easier to navigate for all users.
• Efficiency and Speed: The modular design allows for quick installation, minimising the time needed for on-site construction and reducing the impact on passengers and surrounding areas.

Part of the TIES Living Lab Programme

The AVA Bridge is part of the TIES Living Lab programme, a collaboration aimed at innovating railway infrastructure solutions. Developed by a consortium including Network Rail, Expedition Engineering, Hawkins\Brown, McNealy Brown, ARX, and Walker Construction, the project is supported by funding from Network Rail Research and Development and Innovate UK.

The construction of the AVA Bridge marks a significant step toward more accessible, sustainable, and efficient railway stations. By allowing railway professionals to experience the design firsthand, the AVA prototype demonstrates how modular, low-maintenance solutions can improve station infrastructure across the UK.