Silverthorne Lane Walkway
Montel
Silverthorne Lane Walkway
Silverthorne Lane Walkway is located to the east of
Bristol City Centre, running parallel to the Feeder
Canal. The project comprised the construction and
installation of an elevated 225m pedestrian walkway,
including foundations and substructure elements,
temporary works (pile/crane mats and access
arrangements), installation of a prefabricated bridge
superstructure plus the rebuild and strengthening of
canal wall sections, including a cantilevered
reinforced concrete wall.
Montel
Stakeholder Engagement
Delivery required extensive coordination with statutory
bodies and third parties, including:
- Harbour Master approvals for modular pontoons, with agreed daily removal and safe storage arrangements supported by a dedicated safety boat
- Environment Agency permitting via a Flood Risk Activity Permit approach
- Bristol City Council liaison and approvals in principle covering canal wall and walkway elements
Montel
Key Processes
Design & Pre-construction
Montel completed an intensive 9-month pre-construction design period, evolving the foundation approach to address challenging constraints adjacent to an existing canal wall, with some sections being in stonework.
Working adjacent to an existing canal wall
To minimise loading and disturbance (with piling required approximately 1m from the wall), traditional piling rigs were ruled out. Montel developed an innovative solution using modified excavators positioned a minimum of 8.1m from the wall, enabling safe piling while reducing load transfer.
Montel
Key Processes
Hybrid piling methodology
A hybrid technique combining augered and bored piling was adopted to suit constraints and ground conditions, significantly reducing vibration and lowering the risk of movement in existing wall structures.
Continuous structural monitoring
High-sensitivity tilt meters were installed to provide real-time displacement monitoring, with data transmitted to an online portal and automated SMS alerts triggered if movement exceeded tolerance, enabling immediate stoppage if required.
