UK gets first marketplace for second-hand steel bridges - Construction Management

A new online catalogue named Re-Bridge has officially launched in the United Kingdom, creating a dedicated marketplace for redundant steel bridge structures. Asset owners can now upload details of structures they no longer require, allowing other owners, engineers, contractors, and local authorities to access these materials for new projects. The primary goal of the platform is to extend the lifespan of steel spans and bridge elements, thereby reducing both material costs and the embodied carbon associated with manufacturing new components. Developed with support from regenerative design consultancy Useful Simple Trust, the catalogue was co-created by Expedition Engineering and Format Engineers to move the concept of steel reuse from theory to implementation. Real-world examples demonstrate the viability of this approach. Network Rail's 53m-long Tan House Footbridge near Wokingham utilized repurposed steel tubes for all column elements, cross-bracings, and fan members supporting the deck. Additionally, the report highlights a project in Paris where a new footbridge for the 2024 Olympics was constructed using a 255-tonne steel span from a demolished road bridge. While the platform encourages stock-led design, experts note that bridges must still meet strict specifications for strength and performance. Format Engineers associate engineer Camille Chevrier stated that the catalogue changes the design question from what can be built to what is already available, redefining waste as a resource one span at a time.