Expansion Joint Installation
Client
Cemex/South Wales Trunk Road Agent (SWTRA) for the Welsh Government
Works Commenced
July 2016
Works Completed
September 2016
The A465 Saltings Viaduct on the Neath Interchange is a busy dual carriage way, bringing traffic to and from the Swansea area.
Assessment of the viaduct indicated that essential maintenance was required to replace the expansion joint located on the east side of the bridge on both the westbound and eastbound carriageways. After 40 years of operation, the joint was corroded and failing.
Freyssinet was appointed by the client, Cemex, on behalf of South Wales Trunk Road Agent (SWTRA) for the Welsh Government to design, supply and install a new expansion joint on the bridge. Freyssinet worked with the client to develop a new joint which could be installed in line with traffic requirements.
Thousands of vehicles use the bridge every day and as such, every effort was made to minimise inconvenience to road users. Freyssinet installed a cover plate system, which allowed traffic flow during day time hours and the work was completed during night time closures.
After removing the existing joint, Freyssinet’s in-house hydrodemolition team Aquaforce removed the surrounding concrete, before installing a fully galvanised Freyssimod LW 480 modular type joint, featuring new swivel bearing supports which allows good operation for whole life.
The works were completed ahead of schedule and to the satisfaction of the client.