VolkerLaser awarded bridge refurbishment contract

VolkerLaser has been awarded a £1.7 million contract by North East Lincolnshire Council for the structural refurbishment of Cleethorpes Road Overbridge, located in Grimsby.

The bridge is a 17 span concrete structure situated on the busy A180 over the main Grimsby to Cleethorpes railway line. It provides essential access to both the seaside town of Cleethorpes and Grimsby Docks and is a valuable infrastructure asset to local communities and businesses.

A recent inspection of the bridge uncovered considerable decay and dilapidation, particularly to its bearings. It was therefore decided that a refurbishment was required in order to extend the lifespan of the structure.

The refurbishment will include the replacement of 512 no. bearings. VolkerLaser is responsible for the design and installation of temporary works and has proposed a complex propping and jacking system. The company will be working closely with engineering consultancy Cass Hayward and North East Lincolnshire’s appointed consultants; Cofely GDF Suez and Parsons Brinckerhoff. As the structure carries traffic over the railway line, VolkerLaser will also be working in close liaison with Network Rail. Other works to be undertaken include concrete repairs and coatings, the replacement of bridge joints, resurfacing works and a new bridge drainage system.

Work on site has already begun and is expected to be completed by June 2015.

Keith Barrow, director of major projects at VolkerLaser, commented: “This contract builds upon our successful history of major bridge refurbishment. We take great pride in being entrusted to safely refurbish this important civil engineering structure and are eager to return the bridge to a condition in which it can continue to perform for many years to come.”