Esh Construction and its specialist subcontractors have successfully removed the 70 year old aluminium bascule bridge at Weel Bridge, completing the first major operation of a £1 million refurbishment programme.
Spanning the River Hull between Beverley and the village of Weel, the 20-tonnes bridge – which was bult in 1953 – was lifted clear of its bearings using a 250 tonne crane before being transported for specialist refurbishment in Sheffield.
Esh’s civil engineering division was awarded the refurbishment project by East Riding of Yorkshire Council. Supported by Ekspan and Retroflo, the works to repair the bridge are expected to extend the operational life of a vital piece of local infrastructure which connects Beverley and Weel.
Owing to Weel Bridge being located within a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest and the tidal conditions of the river, undertaking extensive repairs in situ was considered high risk, with structural metal repairs, grit blasting and coatings over the River Hull being difficult to control and presenting environmental and programme challenges.
Steven Garrigan, Divisional Director at Esh Construction, said: “The successful removal of Weel Bridge represents the first major operation of a highly complex and carefully coordinated refurbishment programme. Lifting and transporting a 70 year old aluminium bascule bridge requires detailed planning and close collaboration, and the operation reflects the expertise of everyone involved.
“Removing an entire bridge for refurbishment is an unusual operation and highlighted a unique engineering challenge for the team as we seek to preserve this historic structure.”
