Eccles UK Foundries Revolutionises Bridge Drainage with Launch of Aquadeck Elite Composite System,
Achieving Prestigious BSI Kitemark
25 June 2025 – Birmingham, UK – Eccles, a leading innovator in drainage and access solutions, today announced the official launch of its groundbreaking Aquadeck Elite composite bridge drainage system. This significant introduction is further strengthened by the system’s achievement of the highly coveted BSI Kitemark certification, underscoring Eccles’ unwavering commitment to quality, performance, and setting new industry benchmarks.
The Aquadeck Elite represents the culmination of over two years of intensive design, research, development, and rigorous testing. Engineered to deliver unparalleled strength and reliability, it will be sold alongside Eccles’ existing, highly successful Ductile Iron Aquadeck product and the SubDrain sub-surface bridge drainage system. This comprehensive offering provides engineers and contractors with a true one-stop solution for both surface and sub-surface drainage requirements on bridges and elevated highways.
Chris Rothery, Aquadeck Project Director at Eccles, commented on the launch: “Over the last five years, we’ve seen tremendous success with our existing Ductile Iron Aquadeck product, which has been integral to hundreds of bridges, including the Dyfi Bridge in Wales, the iconic new Gull Wing crossing in Lowestoft, numerous National Highways schemes, and several structures across all sections of the new HS2 High-Speed Link. The introduction of Aquadeck Elite marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to advancing drainage solutions.”
Mr. Rothery further emphasised Eccles’ dedication to certification: “Raising the bar is a constant goal at Eccles. We recently achieved Kitemark status on our SubDrain sub-surface channel product – a first of its kind to be certified to a recognised standard (BSEN1433) and carry the Kitemark, critically having been independently tested to loads well in excess of D400 (400KN).”
With over 20 years of experience in composites, Mr. Rothery highlighted the advanced material technology behind Aquadeck Elite. “The material technology in composites has evolved rapidly, enabling us to develop what we firmly believe is the strongest composite bridge drainage unit available on the market today,” he stated.
Addressing potential industry confusion regarding BSEN1433 testing regimes, Mr. Rothery clarified the rigorous approach taken for Aquadeck Elite. “We had to confirm to the relevant standard, BSEN1433, but the testing within this document has caused some confusion over the years, particularly regarding Type M and Type I products. Type M products heavily rely on installation, such as a concrete surround, to withstand D400 loadings, placing significant responsibility on the contractor for correct bedding and backing. A Type I product, however, can withstand these loadings unsupported, simply placed on a test bed. To avoid any ambiguity with our new Aquadeck composite product, ‘Elite’ has been meticulously designed, tested, and certified to BSEN1433 as a TYPE I system.”
The Aquadeck Elite joins Eccles’ comprehensive range of bridge drainage products and is fully certified to BSEN1433 D400, proudly carrying the prestigious BSI Kitemark. It is available in widths of 200mm, 300mm, and 400mm, and can be specified in either Half Battered or 45 Degree Splay, with various kerb heights/show to suit diverse project requirements.
This innovative addition reinforces Eccles UK Foundries’ position as a leader in providing high-performance, independently verified drainage and access solutions for critical infrastructure across the UK.
