Network Rail
Principal Contractor
Carillion Rail
Specialist Contractor
Freyssinet
Contract Value
£65,000
Freyssinet Ltd has been appointed as a specialist contractor to carry out a bearing replacement project for a rail bridge on the soon to be electrified Preston to Blackpool line.
The twelve new pot bearings have been designed by Freyssinet to the latest EN1337 standard and have been manufactured in the UK by Freyssinet Ltd.
The works are to be carried out under railway track possession and involve jacking the structure to remove existing bearings whilst maintaining the stability of the superstructure. The single span bridge which carries Station Road and all the usual services will remain open to traffic so interruption of service whilst lifting the bridge must be minimised.
Freyssinet have carried out inspections to ascertain the most appropriate bearing selection and detailed the bespoke solution. Freyssinet have also designed the temporary works for the jacking and the restraint systems to ensure the stability of the bridge whilst allowing movement of the superstructure.
The installation of the bearings and temporary work will involve lifting significant steelwork into place from below the bridge using specialist lifting and moving equipment with no opportunity for craneage or external assistance.
Once the temporary works has been installed the existing bearings will be removed working on one abutment at a time. Freyssinet will then install new bespoke replacement bearings which will be grouted into position.
All the works will be carried out at night in coordination with the principal Contractor and agreed rail possessions. All the temporary works will be removed on completion.
Freyssinet Ltd. Innovation House, Euston Way, Town Centre, Telford, Shropshire, TF3 4LT Phone +44 (0) 1952 201901 Fax +44 (0) 1952 201753 Email rail@freyssinet.co.uk