Ross on Wye and Kerne Bridge Canoe Launches
Date of work: September 2011
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The Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in partnership with the Environment Agency and Herefordshire County Council developed a project to improve Canoe Access to the River Wye at Ross on Wye and Kerne Bridge.
The project involved the reconstruction of two existing concrete structures to improve ease and safety of use and provide assisted disability access. The sensitive nature of the sites demanded careful design and construction to minimise the risk of adverse impact upon the river bank and the visual amenity of the area.
The design was developed in consultation with Canoe England and consists of a zigzag ramp structure with integrated central ramp.
The structures largely sit on the footprint of the existing launches minimising excavation and are constructed in concrete with timber retaining piles. The piles were sustainably sourced, Cloeziana selected for its strength and durability.
The contract was completed on time and to budget in October 2011 and was officially opened by the Majors of Ross on Wye and Kerne Bridge in November and christened by a team of canoes launching at Ross and landing at Kerne Bridge.
