Footbridge is a bridge designed to carry pedestrians — and frequently cyclists and equestrians — over an obstacle such as a road, railway, watercourse or steep terrain. Footbridges range from simple single-span timber structures on footpaths to long-span steel and cable structures in urban settings, and include grade-separated alternatives such as buried underpasses.
Types of footbridge
- Beam and truss footbridges — the most common forms; prefabricated steel trusses suit spans of 10–60 m and rapid craneage over live roads and railways.
- Arch footbridges — efficient over medium spans with high visual quality.
- Suspension and cable-stayed footbridges — for long spans or landmark locations.
- Buried crossings — where levels allow, a corrugated steel underpass or overfilled arch achieves the same grade separation with no exposed structure to maintain.
UK design standards
Footbridges are designed to the structural Eurocodes, with pedestrian loading from BS EN 1991-2 (typically a 5 kN/m² crowd load, reduced by loaded length) and dynamic response checks against pedestrian-induced vibration. On the highway network, DMRB CD 353 governs footbridge design; parapet heights are normally 1.15 m for pedestrians and 1.4 m where cyclists are carried. Accessibility requirements drive ramp gradients (preferably 1:20, maximum 1:12) and clear widths of 2 m or more.
Materials and procurement
Weathering or galvanised steel dominates UK footbridge construction thanks to prefabrication, spans, slender sections and durability; timber and FRP suit lighter rural and coastal settings. Prefabricated steel footbridges are typically manufactured off site and installed in a single possession or overnight road closure, minimising disruption — the same logic that favours buried steel structures where the crossing can pass beneath the infrastructure instead.
Related ViaCon solutions
ViaCon provides pedestrian crossings both over and under infrastructure — see our Bridges & Culverts Solutions and ViaCon Buried Bridges, and read why steel is the sustainable choice. Related glossary entries: road bridge, underpass and temporary bridge.
Frequently asked questions about footbridge
What is a footbridge?
A footbridge is a bridge designed primarily for pedestrians, often shared with cyclists and equestrians, carrying them over roads, railways, watercourses or difficult terrain. UK footbridges are designed to the Eurocodes and, on the highway network, DMRB CD 353.
What loads is a footbridge designed for?
BS EN 1991-2 specifies pedestrian live loading — a crowd load of up to 5 kN/m² depending on loaded length — plus wind, temperature and, where relevant, accidental vehicle impact. Dynamic checks ensure pedestrian-induced vibration stays within comfort limits.
How wide should a footbridge be?
A clear width of 2 m is the normal minimum for two-way pedestrian traffic; shared pedestrian and cycle routes typically require 3 m or more. Parapets must be at least 1.15 m high for pedestrians and 1.4 m where cyclists are carried.
What is the alternative to a footbridge?
Where levels and drainage allow, a pedestrian underpass — often a buried corrugated steel arch or box structure — provides the same grade separation with shorter ramps, no exposed superstructure and installation in days under a live road or railway.