As part of the East Riding of Yorkshire Council Framework, Spencer Bridge Engineering undertook the refurbishment of the existing steel swing bridge carrying the A614 over the river Ouse. The works were undertaken during a ten-week road closure and included bridge refurbishment and painting, refurbishment of the mechanical and control systems and the implementation of traffic management measures.
The scope of works involved the blasting and painting of the bridge swing span and river piers, refurbishment and replacement of the mechanical and control systems and the installation of a new traffic lift. Given the nature of the works, strategically planned traffic management measures were implemented throughout to minimise disruption to the client and bridge users. Alongside this, the project team also undertook associated civil engineering and highway works.
As the first physical crossing of the River Ouse, Boothferry Bridge was heavily used by vehicles travelling between the North and South Banks of the Humber Estuary prior to the opening of the M62 motorway in the mid-1970s and the Humber Bridge in 1981.
As the bridge operates on a swing mechanism, when in it is open, it is positioned over land. The project team therefore constructed scaffolding around the bridge in the open position to avoid the added risks of working over water.
In addition to improved safety conditions, the delivery methodology also contributed significantly to the efficiency of the project and the ability to deliver the project in a very short ten weeks. Significant programme reductions resulted in the project team being able to take on additional activities and deliver 50% more works during the ten-week blockade than originally planned.
