WRB Joint Replacement
Client: Ringway Jacobs (Cheshire Highways)
Principal Contractor: Freyssinet
Designer: Freyssinet
Works Commenced: January 2026
Works Completed: February 2026
Cheshire Highways identified a failed rail joint on a major, heavily used structure within their network. Although the joint had been repaired multiple times over the years, it continued to deteriorate, causing ongoing problems for both the client and the travelling public.
As part of the Gas Road Bridge improvement works, Freyssinet was engaged by Cheshire Highways as Principal Contractor to replace the existing failed rail joint on a like for like basis. However, given the joint’s heavy traffic loading, Freyssinet undertook a technical review and recommended an alternative, more durable solution. Instead of reinstating the same joint type, Freyssinet proposed upgrading to the Freyssinet WRB expansion joint, highlighting its long-term performance advantages, improved durability, and enhanced movement capacity.
The WRB Expansion Joint is a nosing-type joint designed to ensure the continuity of the running surface while accommodating structural movement. It consists of two extruded aluminium alloy profiles, installed face-to-face, with a continuous elastomeric seal providing complete watertightness.
Freyssinet undertook detailed joint and asbestos surveys to inform the development of a dedicated design solution for the structure. By selecting the WRB joint, Cheshire Highways benefited from a futureproof and durable expansion joint system designed to withstand heavy traffic demands while reducing longterm maintenance requirements. The installation of the WRB joint addresses the historic failure issues of the previous road joint and provides a more reliable solution that enhances safety, serviceability, and lifecycle performance.
Working closely with Ringway, Cheshire Highways and the traffic management team, we developed a traffic management approach that supported the installation of the new joint while keeping disruption to road users to a minimum.
With a robust programme in place, we commenced installation of the WRB 50 joint – the first of its kind to be installed in the UK in more than 20 years. The initial phase involved removing the defective rail joint. This was delivered in collaboration with the client and the surfacing contractor, ensuring the joint was removed and the carriageway resurfaced to provide a sound, level base for the new WRB 50 system.
Once the preparation works were complete, the installation of the new joint took place in line with the agreed programme, delivering a durable, long term solution for this busy route.
Mike Evans, Construction Team Leader for Cheshire East Highways commented: “A big thank you from myself & CEH for an excellent job carried out, safely and to a high standard. From the start of the scheme communication has been excellent with good feedback through our site supervisor of your safety culture and high quality of work.”