A unique passenger bridge at Gatwick Airport has been officially opened,by Transport Secretary Alistair Darling.
The Pier 6 bridge is 197 metres long and provides passengers a direct pedestrian link to aircraft,saving an estimated 50,000 coach journeys a year.It spans a live taxiway,and at 32 metres high,will allow Boeing 747-400 jets to pass underneath.
Croydon-based design consultancy,TPS,was involved in the design of the preassembly area and carried out structural assessments of the pavements and services along the bridge’s route.The bridge was moved into position last May, providing a link to the North Terminal from the Pier 6 satellite building.
The bridge is an innovation in design and construction –based on the human spine –and with floor to ceiling glass giving 360-degree views across Gatwick.It is estimated that an anticipated three million people will use it each year.Pier 6 provides 11 new pier-served aircraft stands and gaterooms for passengers,as well as a café bar and shops.
