A-frame, steel construction
The A-frame, steel, cable-stayed Market Gate Bridge is 35m high bridge and spans 61m across the main Sheffield to Leeds railway line and sits on top of two reinforced concrete abutments. Keltbray's piling teams installed 24no x 750dia x 18m depth CFA piles. The bridge deck was prefabricated offsite, to optimise quality and provide programme certainty. Keltbray utilised their inhouse Wentworth House Partnership design service to provide an effective temporary works design. Each bridge deck, weighed between 50 and 75t and was lifted via a series of tandem crane lifts from two cranes (750t & 500t) to place the sections on bridge abutments and trestles. With the bridge sections successfully in place, welding of the bridge sections was undertaken, followed by cable installation.
Ambitious design
The bridge features distinctive architectural elements and bespoke finishes, that give it strong visual impact. Its twin back-to-back pylons symbolise Barnsley’s coal mining and glassmaking heritage, echoed further in the coal‑toned deck surface and glass parapets. Fully glazed lift shafts improve visibility for all users, with custom lift cars and high‑grade stainless steel components. Energy‑efficient LED lighting reduces glare for train drivers passing beneath, while aiding pedestrians. Tactile paving and enclosed cabling support users with visual impairments, and the generous width of the bridge and stairs accommodates high footfall, including busy football match days.
Self-delivery approach
Keltbray's integrated, self-delivery approach to the project, focused on reducing risk and increasing certainty for the client, by directly employing a skilled workforce and utilising in-house engineering, utilising capabilities from their various business units and providing maximum project control to Barnsley MBC, via optimised self-delivery solutions.
Programme slippage was a major concern on the scheme, with the discovery of a main gas line where the piling mat should sit. In collaboration with the client, Keltbray rephrased works to ensure the scheme progressed whilst negotiating the diversion works. Rail teams worked to speed up the process of obtaining Network Rail approvals for key works over their assets, ensuring that all applications made were approved promptly.
Award winner
The structure is designed with a slight camber, no steeper than 1:25, to be comfortable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues. Lifts provide a level platform at both ends for pedestrians and users of pushchairs, wheelchairs and other mobility aids. Cyclists can take their bikes into the lifts, or walk them up the steps using a cycle wheel groove built into the bridge. The bridge was designed by architects from IBI Group with structural engineering from Waterman Group working in collaboration with Network Rail.
The project was the regional winner in the Constructing Excellence Awards, Infrastructure Project of the Year 2024.
