West Footbridge London Zoo

The West Footbridge at London Zoo is a footbridge built between 1960 and 1961, designed by Sir Hugh Casson, Nevile Conder and Partners, with Frank Shaw as the project architect and Stephen Revesz as the engineer. It is constructed from reinforced concrete and faced with black precast concrete panels. The bridge features cantilevered side spans, a design approach that was first used for road bridges, due to the poor subsoil requiring a hinged construction. The side spans measure 56 feet in length, while the central suspended span is 42 feet long.

The bridge has arched abutments with steps located between them that provide access to the canal. The broad deck is designed for viewing and includes two openings or lightwells, which are enclosed by steel railings and teak handrails. In the center of the deck, benches set on a plinth have replaced one of the lightwells.

The West Footbridge was part of Franz Stengelhofen's 1950 plan, which remained unchanged in Casson's revision. It was intended to enhance connections between the two banks of the canal as part of the Cotton Terraces development. This visually appealing bridge successfully links the two banks of the canal and is closely related in appearance to the adjacent Snowdon Aviary.