Spencer Bridge Engineering were awarded the contract by Transport Scotland to deliver an extensive programme of maintenance and painting on the Erskine Bridge. An element of the project involved the temporary works design, replacement methodology and construction works for replacement of the main bridge bearings at the South abutment.
Due to wear and corrosion of the South East bearing at the south abutment which supported the deck box between the abutment and pier 1, the bearing roller was not in full contact with both upper and lower surfaces of the bearing assembly.
Spencer Bridge Engineering were required to stiffen and strengthen the end diaphragm to provide new jacking points inboard of the existing bearings to permit the deck to be jacked up using a temporary jacking system. This allowed each bearing to be dismantled and removed before new bearings were installed, including the welding of new wear plates to the existing structural steelwork.
The project team also repaired cuts and painted the original tie backs, in addition to preparing the abutment wall and bearing shelf concrete surfaces through using high-pressure water jetting to remove all traces of paint and dirt, followed by concrete repairs and waterproofing.
The Inner Clyde Estuary is both a RAMSAR and SSSI site, requiring intricate planning and environmental protection measures to prevent any adverse impacts on the surrounding flora and fauna. Spencer Bridge Engineering therefore worked closely with Transport Scotland and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency to implement a number of mitigation measures including encapsulation of work areas, spill kits, and debris netting.
The bridge remained open to traffic and the public throughout the contract, demonstrating Spencer Bridge Engineering’s ability to work at height, above an operational highway and within close proximity to the general public.
