The Ipswich Chord is a 1.2km double track railway that provides essential connection between the East Suffolk Line and the Great Eastern Line. The Chord forms part of the strategic freight network between Ipswich and Peterborough. Spencer Bridge Engineering commissioned by Network Rail for the design and construction phase of the project.
The team were faced with access difficulties to a site hemmed in by rail, river, and urban development. Despite these challenges, the project team successfully secured the support of local landowners and users, enabling the temporary and permanent works.
Working alongside a live railway required a significant disruptive possession regime including a 5-day blockade over Christmas 2013. This required an intricate plan of staged construction and testing to maintain operational performance without comprising site safety.
Spencer Bridge Engineering enjoyed a full collaborative relationship with Network Rail and also formed an effective alliance with lead designer, Arup. This created an ideal platform for finding joint solutions to problems on-site, resolving commercial issues and managing risk.
Bridge 404, a two-track rail-over-water bridge, was replaced during the Christmas blockade and was one of four bridges delivered as part of the project. This was achieved in just 52 hours through the use of precast units.
Despite the extreme complexities of the project and some of the worst winter storms on record, the work was completed on time and to budget, with no complaints. The Ipswich Chord was designed to reduce journey times by up to 30 minutes, while the increased railway capacity was projected to remove up to 750,000 lorry journeys from the road network.
The project was intended to provide relief for commuters using the congested A14 and to contribute towards carbon reduction targets.
