Rotary Club of Thurso 

Work Section 1 - Wheelchair access from Mall to Footbridge

This work section relates to one of the principal construction proposals included within the overall concept.  The intention is to provide a series of ramped paths which will allow unaccompanied wheelchair access between the high level Mall path system bounding Janet Street and the footbridge crossing the Thurso River and thereafter the Boating Pond area and the Swimming Pool facility.  The criteria for the wheelchair access scheme is based on the requirements laid down in Section S of the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 1990, including current amendments, with the provision of a ramp to a maximum gradient of 1 in 20, a minimum path width of 1200mm incorporating level passing and rest areas, non slip surfacing, handrails as necessary and all measures to ensure safe and comfortable access to the footbridge and riverside paths.

The existing paths are of varying width and generally tarmacaden surfaced (see existing survey drawing 01).  The difference in level between the footbridge access and the high level Mall main path is just under 6 metres and this drop in level is achieved over a 45 metre length of path.  This existing arrangement results in an average slope of 1 in 7.5 which is steep even for the able bodied pedestrian.

The scheme proposed (see layout drawing 02) provides a wheelchair friendly path leading from the high level Mall path at a point halfway between the Janet Street/Davidsons Lane pedestrian gate and the open sided shelter building.  This path connects with the steep existing footbridge approach path at the 5.00 level point and has an overall length of approximately 85 metres with a drop of 2.5 metres over this distance representing a gradient of 1 to 33.  The path will be formed on a ‘cut and fill’ principal to allow a reasonably constant gradient to be achieved and is intended to have a tarmacadam finish to match the existing paths.  A feature circular path around the small tree stand located in the centre of the grassed area is included to provide interest and a seated area.

At the connection with the existing footbridge path at the 5.00 level point the remaining 1 metre drop to the start of the footbridge is achieved by forming a ramped path system winding its way around the existing cluster of mature trees and leading to the footbridge with a secondary approach to the West bank walk.

It is intended that the ramp system be constructed with local stone containing walls with either tarmacadam surfaced or concrete ramps laid on hardcore between the walls.  If concrete is selected as the material for the ramps an exposed aggregate finish is proposed.  In view of measures to combat vandalism it is likely that the wall copings will be thick flagstones slabs secured to the stone walls below.

Access to the West bank walk will be by means of a treated timber bridge construction leading from the lowest ramp platt over the natural gully and connecting to the existing path.  The bridge deck will be close butted timber planks to allow easy wheelchair access and it is envisaged that the combination of stone and timber coupled with the existing trees will present an extremely pleasing feature sympathetic to and enhancing the river bank and bridge location.

Note to see the details of the pictures and the drawings, click on the images below.

               Drawing 01                                            Drawing 02

Existing footbridge access from         Proposed disabled access

              Janet Street                                         to footbridge

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Last updated:Friday August 18, 2006