Works Completed on site (up to 14/02):
- In total, there are 37 concrete units to be cast on site to form the new bridge. These include 8 large units (box culvert units); 12 wingwall units; and 17 smaller units including headwall and towpath units. The large units weigh up to 64t.
- 7 units have been cast already. Due to recent weather conditions, with freezing temperatures which didn’t allow for pouring concrete, the programme on casting is slightly behind. This activity will pick up momentum again in the coming weeks, as the weather will be improving.
- Work continued on preparing the formwork (moulds) for the units that are to be cast in the coming weeks. All units are planned to be cast by the beginning of March.
- Ground investigation work has been undertaken in the canal to confirm the depth and identify any measures that may be required to enable construction. Bunds were built to enable the ground investigation work on either side of the railway embankment. Following this work, the east side bund bas been removed; the west side bund is still in place for access (water levels are monitored and the bund will be removed if required).
- De-vegetation work started to prepare the area for the construction. This is required in the area that sits in the span of the crane that will lift the concrete units into place, to form the bridge
- A draft water management plan was produced looking at options to manage water in the canal before and during the main works, and to mitigate risks to wildlife
Works planned (15/02 – 21/02):
- De-vegetation works will continue
- Materials processed that were cut down the previous weekend
- Plan to cast 7 more concrete units; this will bring the programme for casting back on track
- Discussions on the findings of the ground investigations are required to identify measures to be taken forward.
The Ocean Rail Bridge Project page can be found here: Ocean Rail Bridge
