Known as the ‘Blinking Eye’ this structure is universally acclaimed to be the epitome of structural design and elegance. Bespoke Concrete were engaged to produce white precast concrete units that would served to maintain the sweeping lines of the bridge structure itself, providing a decorative and robust capping to the abutments at either side of the bridge.

The moulds were fabricated in our mould shop and the attention to detail was key to the successful casting of these units. Our senior Pattern Maker, Lee, was particularly proud of the surface finish that was achieved being instrumental in the design of the moulds for this project. “It cannot be stressed enough that the use of high quality materials in the production of our moulds, particularly the lining and finishing, is essential in the production of high quality castings” commented Lee. "Unlike other precast companies we will not compromise on quality of materials, both in mould fabrication and product manufacture".

Components Supplied

40 tonnes of white precast concrete coping units.

Processes

Bespoke Concrete recipe designed and mixed in house specifically for this project. Smooth as struck surface finish.

Materials

Wet cast concrete.

The Architects

Wilkinson Eyre, won the 2002 Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Stirling Prize.

The Engineers

Gifford, won the 2003 IStructE Supreme Award.

Awards

In 2005, the bridge received the Outstanding Structure Award from International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE).