Legacy of Yorkshire engineer who helped Allies win Second World War is honoured by new bridge

A Yorkshire engineer who played a major role in helping the Allies win the Second World War will be commemorated in a bridge to a major leisure development.
By Greg Wright
Published 10th Apr 2023, 12:33 BST
Updated 10th Apr 2023, 13:46 BST

The bridge will connect Rotherham town centre to the new leisure destination, Forge Island. The bridge is under construction in North Yorkshire before being installed on site in June, where it will become a key element of the development which is being delivered by Muse, in partnership with Rotherham Council.

The design takes inspiration from the Bailey Bridge; a portable, steel truss bridge designed and developed by Rotherham-born civil engineer, Donald Bailey, which was used by the military throughout Europe during the Second World War.

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A spokesman said: “The new bridge offers a contemporary take on the original design to create a permanent structure for the town. It was designed by FaulknerBrowne Architects and is being fabricated and manufactured by SH Structures. The Bailey Bridge was lightweight and simple to erect without the use of tools, but also strong enough to withstand huge weights including military vehicles. It secured a place in history as one of the most important engineering and technological advances of the Second World War.”

The bridge is being constructed in North Yorkshire before being installed on site in JuneThe bridge is being constructed in North Yorkshire before being installed on site in June
The bridge is being constructed in North Yorkshire before being installed on site in June

Work on the £47m Forge Island development started on site in November 2022.The lead contractor Bowmer + Kirkland is working alongside the wider project team which also includes Arup, Helm Consulting, Arcadis and re-form Landscape Architecture. Forge Island is set to open to the public in 2024.

Related topics:North YorkshireRotherhamWork