A61 Gosforth Valley Viaduct
In May 2012 Derbyshire County Council awarded Freyssinet the contract to complete bearing replacement and associated maintenance works to the structure, appointing them as Main Contractor.
The bridge was constructed in 1977 and comprises 6 simply supported spans of precast concrete beams and a 225mm thick slab. These beams are supported on 132 bearings which allow for:
• articulation due to thermal movement
• transverse restraint at each pier/abutment
• longitudinal restraint at the fixed abutment
The scheme involves replacing 110 free bearings and 21 guided bearings, and repainting the existing fixed bearing on the viaduct, which crosses the Leabrook Valley. Concrete repairs are also being undertaken, along with the installation of pigeon spikes.
With minimum disruption to the traffic above, the works require the bridge deck to be jacked with innovative temporary works to facilitate the bearing replacements.
The works are progressing well and are due for completion by the end of February 2013.
Site Visit
On December 6th 2012, Freyssinet invited clients to the Casa Hotel, Chesterfield, where presentations were given by Graham Stanford, Business Manager Repairs, who gave a general overview of the work of Freyssinet, and Graham Povey, Project Technical Manager, then gave a presentation on bearing replacement works on the Gosforth Valley Viaduct, with detailed photographs of the corroded bearings and other global work carried out by Freyssinet.
Although snow was forecast the site remained clear and the group split into two groups and scaled the scaffolding on the piers and abutments. Here they were able to see the bearing work in progress and temporary jacking system, and were also able to climb a pier with the works completed, showing the end result.
The group then returned back to the hotel for lunch and networking with both Freyssinet and representatives from Derbyshire County Council. The customer feedback was exceptional and confirmed a good day was had by all.
