FORGE is able to design and construct an extensive range of pedestrian bridges and cycleway structures with each solution tailored to the specific stakeholder, location, budget and community needs of the project. Our experienced team of in-house designers, engineers and installation experts can create entirely custom pedestrian bridge solutions to meet any location or span requirements, large or small. Alternatively, we can also call upon our proven range of proprietary FORGE bridge systems to drive major cost and time efficiencies—including truss, girder, suspension, cable and swing-based bridge designs. The right pedestrian bridge design will always depend on the project itself.

FORGE has more than 50 years of experience in pedestrian bridge and cycleway projects. We design and engineer community footbridges of all sizes and complexities for councils, government agencies, property developers, architects and landscape architects across Australia. Specialists in the design, installation and project management of pedestrian bridge and cycleway infrastructure, we also have long-term relationships with trusted manufacturing partners who are experts in steel pedestrian bridge fabrication.

Different bridges will require different materials, dependent on factors such as the project’s size, location, design and budget. Some of the more commonly used materials on FORGE pedestrian bridges and cycleways include sustainably sourced hardwood timber, galvanised steel, stainless steel and fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) minimesh, mostly for decking.

Every project is unique so there’s no general rule. It may be just a few months for a simple structure on an easy-to-access site. Then again, it can be more than a year from concept to completion for more complex projects. Having said this, large or small, the key to a streamlined project outcome is early engagement with all key stakeholders and ongoing collaboration.

There are many factors—and they are all best considered as early in the development of your project as possible. Key cost variables for pedestrian bridge and cycleway projects typically include the site and location, the timeline, the desired creative vision and, of course, the size of the bridge itself. Material selection is also a major factor, with hard-wearing and lightweight and low-footprint options often delivering major cost-efficiencies. Guided by the FORGE Methodology our in-house team are experts at providing budget certainty well before construction begins—removing doubts and the need for costly contingencies.

Safety is central to every project decision at FORGE, beginning with the design of pedestrian bridges and cycleways. Considerable thought is given to both structural integrity and user security. From an engineering perspective, bridges must be designed in line with all relevant AS codes and guidelines, ensuring they withstand not only the weight of pedestrian traffic but also environmental factors such as wind loads, seismic activity, flooding events and potential impacts from vehicles passing underneath. User security considerations extend to the provision of adequate lighting, clear sight lines and potentially surveillance systems to ensure that pedestrian bridges and cycleways feel safe and welcoming at all hours. Safe pedestrian bridge design eliminates hiding spots and create a sense of openness that promotes natural surveillance. In some cases, enclosed or partially enclosed designs might be considered to protect users from extreme weather conditions, but these must be balanced against security and ongoing maintenance considerations.

FORGE understands that well-designed pedestrian bridges can significantly enhance connectivity by allowing for the safe and seamless flow of people between different areas of a community and other public spaces The primary challenge in designing these bridges lies in balancing functionality with accessibility. This necessitates careful consideration of approach ramps, stairs and potentially elevators, ensuring the bridge serves its intended purpose for the entire community.

FORGE has extensive experience in designing and constructing pedestrian bridges and cycleways in environmentally sensitive and hard-to-access habitats. In many instances, the surrounding area will directly dictate the design of the bridge itself, with great care taken to ensure the structure has the lightest possible environmental footprint and is able to be installed with little (or even no) use of machinery. Some of our most impressive bridges and cycleways were entirely constructed by hand, including manually-driven piles and materials that were carried to the site on foot.

Yes. The FORGE Methodology is built upon a wholistic delivery offering that combines specialist design and design verification, structural engineering, manufacturing methodology, risk mitigation, planning capability, pre-assembly, project management and construction expertise, all from one team.

Every pedestrian bridge and cycleway has unique maintenance requirements to maximise its design life, influenced by its location, usage, design and materials. As the original designer and builder, FORGE provides a comprehensive maintenance manual with recommended scheduling intervals as part of the operational and maintenance handover documents. While many clients may choose to manage maintenance internally, FORGE also offers optional maintenance services for added peace of mind. These can be discussed during the design stage to ensure the most appropriate service package is selected for the project. As the team that designed and built the structure, we are uniquely well positioned to support its ongoing care.

Yes. FORGE is able to design and construct custom cycle bridges for virtually any application in parks and public recreation areas. Large or small, our experienced team of in-house designers, engineers and installation experts can create a solution to meet any location or span requirements.

Successful pedestrian bridge and cycleway projects don’t exist in isolation. They must be seamlessly integrate with existing infrastructure and future development plans. This requires close collaboration between many stakeholders including urban planners, transportation authorities and local community leaders. The FORGE Methodology always starts by considering how the new bridge will connect with existing pedestrian pathways, cycle routes and public transportation hubs with the goal of creating a cohesive network that enhances overall urban mobility. Additionally, we consider how the pedestrian bridge might affect or be affected by future development in the area. In-built flexibility in design can allow for potential expansions or modifications as the urban landscape evolves while minimising future community disruption and expense.

One of the main environmental considerations of pedestrian bridge design is material selection. At FORGE we typically recommend durable, low-maintenance, Australian-made materials that have a minimal environmental impact over the structure’s lifecycle—including during installation. Of course, pedestrian bridges and cycleways also contribute to broader sustainability goals by encouraging walking and cycling as alternatives to vehicular transport. By providing safer and more convenient community crossings, they can be especially effective at reducing reliance on cars for short trips, contributing to reduced traffic congestion and carbon emissions, with improved air quality in urban areas.

No. While we have advanced pre-assembly capabilities in-house, we call upon long-term relationships with trusted manufacturing partners who are experts in steel pedestrian bridge fabrication.

While it varies from project to project according to the varying asset owner’s specific requirements, FORGE delivers every pedestrian bridge and cycleway in line with all applicable AS codes and guidelines. Most commonly these can include AS 2156 (The Walking Track Standard) and the Bridge Code, AS 5100.

Yes, we do. FORGE has delivered hundreds of pedestrian bridges and cycleways nationwide. Our experience spans metropolitan, regional and remote locations across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, the ACT and the Northern Territory.

FORGE services bridge design and construction projects Australia-wide. We work across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, the ACT and the Northern Territory, delivering pedestrian bridges in metropolitan, regional and remote locations. Our flexible delivery model means we can support projects wherever they are required.

Yes. FORGE has extensive experience delivering complex bridge infrastructure in remote and regional parts of Australia. Many of our projects take place outside metropolitan areas, including regional centres such as Shepparton (VIC), Tamworth (NSW) and Dalby (QLD). Working in non-metropolitan locations requires careful planning, logistics and specialist construction methods, and FORGE’s expertise ensures projects are delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest standards.

FORGE works with LGAs across Australia to design and construct new pedestrian bridges and cycleways. We also have decades of experience in delivering cost-effective upgrades and replacements for older community access structures that are no longer safe or fit-for-purpose.

Geography and site characteristics always play an important role in the design of a new pedestrian bridge. Prevailing weather systems, tides, flood zones, soil conditions and access points must be carefully taken into account to ensure the recommended bridge design, materials and construction methodology are safe and fit-for-purpose, while also offering the maximum possible design life for that location.

Yes. FORGE has considerable experience in delivering bridge projects in some of Australia’s most pristine locations and national parks. Of course, working within sensitive and protected habitats requires meticulous planning and project management guided by strict, pre-approved environmental management plans.

Operational lifespan can vary significantly from bridge to bridge and is dependant on many factors. These include the location, size, weather and soil conditions, construction materials, usage volume, the style of bridge chosen and the level ongoing maintenance able to be provided. At FORGE we work closely with clients and project partners to maximise the design life of every structure we deliver and offer industry-leading structural guarantees to provide peace of mind for all stakeholders for years to come.

Depending on your vision, budget and project requirements FORGE is able provide both custom and standard bridge options. We can also tailor bridge designs that combine the two—bringing you the cost and time efficiencies of a proven base system from our proprietary bridge catalogue, with custom embellishments and finishings to meet your creative vision for the project.

Yes, bridges can be prefabricated off-site, and at FORGE this is a core part of how we deliver efficient projects. The way we design our bridges means that we can fully or partially pre-assemble structures in controlled conditions, ensuring high quality and precision. Prefabrication reduces on-site construction time, minimises disruption to communities and delivers cost efficiencies, making it the preferred approach for many of our projects.

Every pedestrian bridge and cycleway project begins differently. Sometimes our clients already have a very clear view of what they want for their new bridge. Other times, they’re still forming that view with only a top-level idea of what they’d like to achieve—but no strong view on exactly how to achieve it. Both options are entirely normal. To help us add maximum value to the early stages of your bridge project we’ll sit down to discuss key information including:(1) What is the desired end outcome for your bridge project?(2) What are the characteristics of your project site? (3) What is the project budget and timing?

Absolutely, in fact we find the more collaboration on bridge projects the better - especially in the critical early design stages of the project. By partnering up-front to fully understand your vision, budget, timeline and any other key requirements or project risks, we can collaboratively identify the very best solution for your brief, long before you need to commit to a construction contract.