News

25/04/2007 - Monkwearmouth Bridge Meets Targets

The Network Rail Monkwearmouth Bridge Contract in Sunderland is now approaching the practical completion stage.

The bridge refurbishment works, which are due to be completed by April 2007, include steelwork beam replacement, structural repairs and painting. The replacement consists of installing 45 x 7.8m beams each weighing almost 2 tonnes. To meet the fast track programme the works are being carried out on a 24 x 7 work pattern.

The bridge, which spans the River Wear and is 30m above water level, required an innovative access solution. Scaffolding was initially erected on the north abutment to give access to the underside of the structure and a 10m long by 4m wide powered working platform (pictured above) was then installed on the existing side members of the bridge to transport men and materials along the 90m span. Two 2 tonne winches were used to raise beams to the underside of the structure to enable the platform to accept and transport to their required position.