Torridge Bridge - Virtual Reality Model

This page has been constructed by James Stevenson and Chris Burgoyne. The VR model was constructed by James as part of his 4th year undergraduate project in 2003. We are grateful to Steve Denton of Parsons Brinckerhoff for detailed plans of the bridge, from which the VR model was built, and for some of the images displayed here.

The Torridge Bridge carries the A39 road across the river Torridge in North Devon. It was designed by ... and built by ... in 19... It was built by balanced cantilever construction, with internal cables. The bridge is about 2 miles north (downstream) of the town of Bideford, which it bypasses.

The old bridge in Bideford which has been in use for hundreds of years. It has been widened and repaired on many occasions, and provides severe impediment to flow of water, as well as almost blocking river transport.

Corner detail of one unit showing ducts and anchorage

Stockpiled units

Placing units near pier

Span nearly complete

Overall VR model, which shows the outline of the complete bridge. The model includes several fixed views and a flyover, which passes one way along the bridge, and then returns through the box girder.

The final model shows the construction sequence. The launching gantry is semi-transparent and the segments can be seen being brought forward, rotated and lowered into position. The segments are made transparent to show the cables being introduced, and then opaque for realism. When the span is complete the continuity cables are introduced and the girder moves forwards. One slight mistake - our bridge was built from the east bank - the real bridge was built from the west!