Reconstruction of Plymouth Road Railway Bridge
Part of a £12m programme of work to replace, strengthen or maintain Blackpool’s bridges.
Project Value: £7.2m
Client: Blackpool Council
Project team: Blackpool Council, Network Rail, Wilde Consulting Engineers and Story Contracting.
Main Services:
- Three-span bridge carrying A587 Plymouth Road (Blackpool Eastern Ring Road) over the Poulton to Blackpool North Railway line.
- The former bridge deck comprised concrete-encased riveted steel plate girders and joists which was in poor condition.
- In order to make best use of planned railway track possessions, the reconstruction of the bridge was planned to be undertaken in conjunction with Network Rail’s planned electrification works to the railway line between December 2016 and May 2017.
- The bridge is on target to be completed on time and within budget.
- The new pre-stressed concrete beam and insitu reinforced concrete bridge was constructed by Story Rail in partnership with Network Rail.
- As well as designing and project managing the bridge construction, Wilde worked with Blackpool Council to secure both DfT Challenge funding and LEP Growth funding for the bridge and are continuing to provide project and site management services to Blackpool.
- Wilde worked in 3D, using advance digital tools and programmes, including Building Information Modelling (BIM) throughout all stages of the design process to create highly detailed models to assist all stakeholders with visualising the completed bridge.
- A temporary pedestrian footway spanning over the railway line has been constructed and will also house the underground utility services currently supported by the existing bridge.
The site has been visited by Paul Maynard (local MP and Under Secretary of State for the Department for Transport), Martin Frobisher (Managing Director for Network Rail) and Councillor Jackson. All were very positive about the project and the works involved in a built-up residential environment.
Will Britain from Blackpool Council said:
“It has taken nearly 2 years of engagement and forward planning with a fair degree of collaboration working closely with Wilde, Network Rail IP and Story. Setting up the framework has been key with essential funding from the LEP and DFT, Council and Network Rail IP. We need to celebrate the success of this partnership as it helped a better outcome for the Blackpool residents and our Members.”
Other bridge schemes Wilde Consulting Engineers have recently designed by working in collaboration with Blackpool Council’s in-house design teams include:
- Princess Street Bridge – bridge deck replacement scheme.
- Gas works subway – infilling scheme.
- Harrowside Bridge – maintenance scheme.
- Waterloo Road Bridge – strengthening and maintenance scheme.
- Watson Road – strengthening scheme.
- Rigby Road Bridge – maintenance scheme.
- Chapel Street Bridge – maintenance scheme.
- Devonshire Road Bridge – maintenance scheme.