Key Challenges and solutions:
Development of Strengthening & Refurbishment Scheme:
Winter working constraints: To minimise disruption to road and river users, works were scheduled for winter. This raised concerns about quality control during repainting. MCA proposed lifting the bridge out entirely, allowing repainting to be completed in a controlled fabrication shop environment.
Lack of accurate record drawings: Previous strengthening works had left gaps in documentation. MCA used in-house 3D laser scanning during a routine bridge lift to produce preliminary drawings and accelerate the survey process, reducing public disruption.
Space limitations: Improving pedestrian access and restricting vehicle size within a tight footprint required creative design solutions, developed in close collaboration with ERYC and the TAA.
Survey management
MCA managed all site surveys, including:
Ecology survey
Intrusive paint survey
Type 3 asbestos survey
Mechanical and electrical surveys
Control systems survey
Principal Inspection via land, boat, and MEWP
All design services were delivered by MCA’s in-house engineering team, including a feasibility study of various strengthening options to the structural members of the bridge.
Key milestones
Significant progress has been made on the strengthening and refurbishment scheme for Weel Bridge. The project is still ongoing, but several key milestones have been successfully delivered:
-Pedestrian access improvements and safety enhancements have been designed and agreed for construction.
-Measures to restrict larger vehicles have been developed and are being integrated into the scheme.
-A lifting plan for the temporary removal of the bridge to replace the damaged structural members and to undertake high-quality repainting works has been developed.
-Detailed inspections and surveys have been completed, enabling accurate planning and reduced disruption to the public.
-Esh Constructions have been appointed as a main contractor to undertake the proposed strengthening and refurbishment.
