Design and construction of the Fabian Way bridge superstructure

The Fabian Way Bridge crosses a dual carriageway in Swansea and forms part of a local express bus route. The bridge is a 71 m long, heavily skewed cable stayed structure with a single central spine beam. Cantilevers extending either side of the central spine beam support twin orthotropic decks that carry vehicle and pedestrian traffic. The deck is supported by a slender inclined mast with an unusual open cross-section. The superstructure design was developed in close collaboration with the end client, main contractor and steelwork sub-contractor as an alternative to the client's original design, and maximises offsite prefabrication and buildability while achieving a graceful yet striking new landmark. The paper presents an interesting case study describing the reasons for the selection of an all-steel deck as the preferred solution, along with special aspects of the detailed design including the buckling analysis of the mast. The paper also describes the positive impact on urban regeneration, as well as the construction of the bridge. Ways in which a very tight design and construction programme was achieved are also described, together with issues affecting long-term maintenance of the bridge.