Unveiling AVA: The Adaptable Footbridge and Lift System of the Future  

This groundbreaking project is the result of a collaboration among industry leaders in engineering, manufacturing, and construction. The Consortium comprises Expedition Engineering, Hawkins\Brown, Walker Construction, Network Rail, McNealy Brown, and ARX. Together, they have created the AVA Footbridge and Lift system, revolutionising the procurement, manufacturing, and installation of railway footbridges.

Addressing Network Rail’s Vision

AVA’s development was driven by a clear need to enhance productivity in delivering footbridges across the network. Traditional footbridges often fell short of Network Rail’s goals to reduce capital expenditure (CAPEX), installation time, and carbon footprint, posing challenges to the ‘Access for All’ program. AVA addresses these challenges head-on.

Designed with a focus on modern manufacturing methods and construction, AVA moves towards the principles of ‘Industry 4.0’ digital technology. The full potential will be realised through batch production and economies of scale as production ramps up.

Elegant and Adaptable

Featuring a distinctive modular design, an integrated lighting system, and an exposed bead-blasted stainless steel finish, AVA is a high-quality architectural piece suitable for any station environment. Its layout is configurable, allowing for various bridge and lift arrangements to meet specific site requirements, and its span and height are flexible, with customisation options including the addition of a roof.

The use of stainless steel for both structure and cladding extends the design life of the footbridge to 120 years, requiring only minor maintenance. This significantly reduces early-stage degradation, minimises disruption to passengers, lowers whole-life carbon footprint, and cuts down overall lifecycle costs.

AVA is faster to deliver and simpler to install compared to standard industry practices. The streamlined approval and design periods, coupled with the modular system featuring bolted connections, transform the assembly process. With internal cladding, glazing, and services installed before the bridge leaves the yard, only a single possession is required.

AVA Lift System

The AVA modular lift is a first-of-its-kind outdoor rated lift system, engineered with a strong focus on delivering a safe and robust passenger lift solution that is easy to both maintain and to use.

The lift is designed for rapid deployment; a complete lift module is fully assembled and tested before being transported by road to site for installation and commissioning, with minimum station disruption.

Recognised Excellence

AVA is featured in the latest edition of the Network Rail Footbridges & Subways Design Manual. An independent assessment commissioned by Network Rail awarded AVA maximum points for sustainability, passenger experience, safety, maintenance, and costs compared to other approved Network Rail footbridges.

Looking Forward

As we embark on the demonstration period for the AVA prototype, we invite industry stakeholders, railway professionals, and the public to witness the future of railway infrastructure. AVA stands as a testament to innovation, efficiency, and design excellence, setting a new standard for railway footbridges globally.

Co-funded by Network Rail and the TIES Living Lab programme, the AVA programme was funded via a grant from Innovate UK through the Transforming Construction programme, plus contributions from the Department for Transport, HS2, Transport for London, Network Rail, and Highways England.

For more information, please visit https://www.avabridge.com/.

About the AVA Consortium
The AVA Consortium is a collaboration of leading experts in engineering, manufacturing, and construction, including Expedition Engineering, Hawkins\Brown, Walker Construction, Network Rail, McNealy Brown, and ARX. The Consortium is dedicated to revolutionising railway footbridge design and installation through innovative solutions and cutting-edge technology.

About Expedition Engineering
Expedition Engineering is part of the Useful Simple Trust, a family of professional design practices working together to blaze a trail in the regeneration of our built and natural environment to meet the needs of all people and the planet. For more information visit: https://expedition.uk.com/.

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