Littlehampton’s well-known retractable footbridge over the River Arun will soon be closed for re-painting.
The Ferry Footbridge, known locally as The Red Bridge, can retract so ships can pass through the central span and access nearby industrial areas.
It will be closed from 6 April for about a month so the distinctive red structure can be repainted using the fluoropolymer paint system. This should triple the refurbishment’s lifespan and reduce the bridge’s carbon footprint and future maintenance costs. It will also contribute towards the county council’s aim of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
A county council spokesperson said: “Shipping will still be able to pass through during the works.
“A free bus service, suitable for passengers with disabilities, will be provided for pedestrians. It will run every 30 minutes between 6am and 11pm. A timetable will be displayed at each end of the bridge, in Ferry Road and Wharf Road.”
Fluoropolymer fact file:
- The paint system has been used in the testing climates of Japan, Abu Dhabi and Australia;
- It is highly resistant to UV light from the sun - the primary cause of degradation in conventional paint systems;
- The system will also provide significant protection to the steelwork from corrosion;
- It will provide extensive durability and will maintain its colour over its lifetime, with little or no major maintenance.
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