Erik Andersson Architects has been invited to a design competition for a new pedestrian bridge in Ludvika, Sweden. The bridge for this northern Swedish city will improve accessibility around its railway station area, creating efficient and attractive connections to the city centre and the lake Väsman.
The bridge, designed in highly polished stainless steel, spans over the highway 50 and the rail yard before landing as a looping ramp by the lake and connecting to walking and bike paths. Access from the railway platform is provided through a straight staircase, while a spiral staircase leads to the entrance of the travel centre. While crossing the bridge, pedestrians get to enjoy views of the Lake Väsman. The bridge also becomes a meeting place with seating for those needing to rest or wait for a train.
The structure consists of two I-beams, which also constitute the bridge’s barriers. By placing the structure on the side of the bridge the bridge can be made shorter and thus less expensive. The bridge is supported by x-shaped concrete filled pillars of stainless steel. The pillars are placed 30 m apart and the structure is dimensioned so that the bridge can stand even if a column is hit.
