What is a woven hurdle bridge?
A woven hurdle bridge is a light, temporary footbridge whose walking surface consists of woven hurdles made from young branches. In Dutch it is called a vlechtbrug. The separate hurdles are laid one after another across the water and together form a narrow path just above the water surface. In French such a bridge is called a pont de claies: a claie is a woven hurdle or mat.
Characteristics
- Material: densely woven, flexible wood such as hazel or willow.
- Modular: the bridge is made of separate elements that you can replace or repair individually.
- Seasonal: the bridge is put up in spring or summer and taken down again after the season, before high water carries it away.
- Short-lived: woven wood in and above water wears and rots quickly, so some hurdles need replacing every year.
Application
The best-known example crosses the Semois at Laforêt, in the municipality of Vresse-sur-Semois (Wallonia). The woven hurdles there are made of hazel. In the past there were several such bridges across the Semois. Farmers used them, among other things, to bring the tobacco harvest from the far bank to the village. The bridge at Laforêt is the only one still being built, now as a tourist attraction. In 2021 it was swept away by floodwater. Since then a cable has been run through the hurdles to hold the parts together.
Elsewhere you will see the same principle used as a temporary walkway over marshy ground or a ditch in nature reserves and gardens.
Tips
- Pedestrians only: a woven hurdle bridge is not designed for bicycles, horses or livestock.
- Tie the elements together: loose hurdles are washed away when the water rises. A continuous cable or rope keeps them together.
- Take it down in time: dismantle the bridge before the wet season and store the hurdles dry over winter.
- Check before use: weak or broken hurdles are a tripping and falling hazard. Replace them straight away.
Related terms
- Rustic branch bridge
- Corduroy bridge
- Pontoon bridge
- Chain bridge
Want to learn more about construction terms? Visit our knowledge base at fredsdiyplans.com.