Proposals - Water Transport Infrastructure
As part of this study we have commissioned marine engineers, Beckett Rankine to design a new pontoon which would be fully accessible and allow public use of future ferry or boat trip services adjacent to the existing Saltash Pier and slipway.
The linkspan structure and pontoon rise and fall with the tide but maintain sufficient depth for craft to berth and take on passengers.
Beckett Rankine have provided a brief report into a new ferry service berth.
Three options emerge amid limited water depth:
1. A new berth in 2.0m water depth at the lowest astronomical tide such that a non-tidally restricted ferry service can be provided
2. Modifications to the existing pier such that a partially tidally restricted ferry service can be provided with step free or level access.
3. Use of the existing pier which will provide a tidally limited service which cannot be accessed by disabled users.
Option 1 is a compelling choice, necessitating the construction of a new pontoon, linkspan, and bank-seat structure. This approach proposes a berth in 2.0m water depth, ensuring a non-tidally restricted ferry service with full accessibility.
Option 1
Option 1 with link-span positioned to allow full use of slipway
Option 2 is a compromise in the cost vs benefit of Option 1, and whilst providing greater access than Option 3, will still be more restrictive due to the embarkation and disembarkation standards on other ferry services.
Option 3 requires very little upfront capital expenditure but will effectively result in a very tidally restricted solution resulting in time-tables that are unlikely to provide the reliability that visitors would need to rely on such a service.
Comprehensive assessments, encompassing vessel sizes, expected usage, and environmental impact, will be pivotal in ensuring the viability and sustainability of Option 1.
The decision-making process aims to strike a balance between functionality and the reservation of Saltash’s unique identity, reinforcing the role of the ferry service as a vital and integrated component of the local infrastructure.
Proposed Pontoon & Linkspan Structure