moxon's new granite and steel bridge in rural scotland stands alongside historic crossing

moxon's new granite and steel bridge in rural scotland stands alongside historic crossing

Gairnshiel Jubilee Bridge by Moxon Architects hovers above glen

 

Moxon Architects, in collaboration with civil and structural engineers Arcadis, completes the Gairnshiel Jubilee Bridge in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, named in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. The new bridge diverts highway traffic from the historic 1749 Gairnshiel Bridge, preserving it and providing a vital link for north-south travel.

The structure, featuring two traffic lanes, addresses the challenges posed by the original bridge’s geometry and narrow width. It eliminates the need for detours caused by frequent structural damage. Designed with consideration for flood levels, highway alignment, and the glen’s natural formation, the new bridge is a contemporary interpretation of the 18th-century structure. The slender-profile design, with granite parapets and weathering steel, complements the adjacent historic bridge while maintaining a respectful distance.

moxon's new granite and steel bridge in rural scotland stands alongside historic crossing
all images by Simon Kennedy

 

 

slender-profile design complements the adjacent historic bridge

 

The completion marks a significant infrastructure project for Aberdeenshire Council, improving journey times and preserving the cultural and historical significance of the area. The new bridge provides a dedicated route for vehicles, allowing the 18th-century bridge to be reserved for pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians. The design team at Moxon Architects engaged in a process that involved years of advocacy with the local community and heritage bodies to ensure a sensitive approach to the site’s unique context. The bridge was formally opened to the public by His Majesty The King on Thursday 05 October 2023.

moxon's new granite and steel bridge in rural scotland stands alongside historic crossing
the new bridge diverts highway traffic from the historic 1749 Gairnshiel Bridge

moxon's new granite and steel bridge in rural scotland stands alongside historic crossing
the construction, featuring two traffic lanes, addresses the challenges posed by the original bridge’s narrow width

moxon's new granite and steel bridge in rural scotland stands alongside historic crossing
the structure is designed with consideration for flood levels, highway alignment, and the glen’s natural formation

moxon-architects-bridge-rural-scotland-uk-designboom-1800-1

with two traffic lanes, the bridge eliminates the need for detours

moxon's new granite and steel bridge in rural scotland stands alongside historic crossing
the slender-profile design, with granite parapets and weathering steel, complements the adjacent historic bridge

moxon-architects-bridge-rural-scotland-uk-designboom-1800-2

the design is a contemporary interpretation of the 18th-century structure

moxon's new granite and steel bridge in rural scotland stands alongside historic crossing
the new crossing, parallel to the 1749 Gairnshiel Bridge, is suitable for modern-day traffic

 

 

project info:

 

name: Gairnshiel Jubilee Bridge
architect: Moxon Architects | @moxonarchitects

location: Aberdeenshire, Scotland, UK

photography: Simon Kennedy | @_simonkennedy

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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