The Aldwarke North Bridge spans the Sheffield to Rotherham railway line and links the north west of TATA Steel’s Aldwarke site to the road network. Erected in 1963, the bridge required extensive maintenance of its paintwork to remain structurally sound and operational, as well as the removal and replacement of its existing coats of lead-based paint with a modern alternative.
The project involved the full refurbishment of Aldwarke North Bridge, including cleaning, structural repairs, steelwork paint repairs, and repainting of the remaining areas of the structure.
To enable these works, scaffolding was erected to fully encapsulate the under-slaw of the bridge. This provided safe access and containment for the blasting and removal of the existing lead-based paint that coated the entire structure. The outdated lead paint was replaced with a modern 3 coat system that would greatly improve its resistance to weather and pollution, as well as reduce the need for further maintenance.
Works also included the removal of redundant services and working over live Network Rail lines, so maximum efficiency and safety during the works were of paramount importance.
Drawing on the live-rail expertise of their sister company, Spencer Rail Engineering, Spencer Bridge Engineering were well placed to deliver these works safely and efficiently. Working closely with both the client and Network Rail, the team ensured disruption to all parties was kept to a minimum.
Spencer Bridge Engineering’s in-house design team created a complex scaffolding system to encapsulate the bridge without hampering the live track beneath, and the whole project was carried out with zero accidents or incidents.
The refurbishment delivered a smart, visually appealing structure while preserving its structural integrity, leaving the client extremely pleased with the end result.
