PROJECT OUTLINE

The Great Western Main Line is one of the country”s most important arterial routes, linking London and the south-east to Bristol, Wales and the west. Network Rail is currently electrifying the line by installing 25kV AC Electrified Overhead Line Equipment (OLE).

As part of the scheme, the 105 year old Bridge Street Bridge in Newport city centre was designated as requiring reconstruction to accommodate the OLE.

Working closely with Network Rail Tier 1 Principal Contractor, ABC Electrification, Walters were tasked with removing the reinforced concrete deck from the dilapidated steel structure and all enabling works behind the existing abutments. Following installation of the new bridge structure, Walters were awarded the civils contract to tie the new bridge into the existing infrastructure network at either side.

PROJECT DELIVERY

Working in a busy city environment, Network Rail and ABC called upon Walters to deliver specialist site investigation, demolition, enabling and infrastructure works in a professional and controlled manner, utilising a combination of night time rail possession working and segregated daytime working.

The reinforced concrete deck removal was undertaken using an innovative saw-cutting technique which saw the 300mm thick deck cut into sections and lifted out with an excavator. This method was selected to prevent any further deterioration of the steel deck plate below the concrete during removal.

Enabling Works

Following removal of the bridge deck, Walters successfully completed the enabling works behind both abutments. This included demolition of pilasters, saw-cutting of the abutment walls, demolition of the abutment walls down to saw cut level, earthworks, off-site disposal of contaminated material and the installation of over 100 steel sheet piles. All of which took place whilst working in close proximity to numerous live services and often during night time possessions.

Civils Package

Following the success of the demolition and enabling works contract, Walters were awarded the civils package to reinstate the infrastructure network at either side of the new bridge structure.

This package included drainage, utility service infrastructure, kerbs and footway construction, road construction and surfacing works.

All works were completed successfully, on time and in challenging circumstances, allowing the new bridge to open on time for Network Rail and Newport City Council prior to Christmas 2016.