Freyssinet recently completed bearing replacement works on Langley Footbridge, which crosses the M4 junction 5 interchange in Slough.
Regular monitoring inspections by Client Slough Borough Council had indicated that the bridge bearings had reached their designed life span and were showing signs of deterioration.
Freyssinet acted as both Principal Designer and Principal Contractor on the scheme, which included:
- Conceptual design through to detailed design of the temporary works.
- Management of pre-construction surveys, traffic management, lifting operations, site management including welfare and working at height access.
- Bearing design, manufacture and installation.
Freyssinet replaced 20 elastomeric bearings (12 of the south footbridge and eight of the north footbridge) and carried out refurbishment of the bridge parapets, re-painting the metal railings and timber handrails to improve aesthetics and extend the life of the assets.
The works process included:
- Design work (both permanent and temporary works)
- Pre-construction surveys
- Site establishment
- Erection of temporary works
- Jacking of the bridges using three separate jacking arrangements
- Replacement of bearings
- De-jacking of the bridges
Incorporating the Client’s requirements and the needs of the local community, Freyssinet developed a temporary works design which allowed the motorway interchange to remain open throughout the duration of the works by supporting the half-joints from above using a cantilever arrangement rather than from below (which would have required lane closures).
The works took place adjacent to two other complex schemes requiring traffic management (BBV M4 Smart Motorway scheme and Slough Borough Council road improvement scheme), so the Freyssinet team collaborated with the contractors involved to ensure there were no clashes and mitigated the impact on road users.
The project was completed on time and on budget. The Client praised the professionalism and dedication of the Freyssinet team and was extremely satisfied with the end results.