Project Overview
Project Description
Hams Hall Bridge is over 70 years old and no longer used. Our client approached us to undertake this complex bridge removal and deconstruction, which not only required detailed strategic planning, but had to overcome numerous challenges.
The disused rail bridge consisted of two 14metre spans over the River Tame in a semi-rural location on the edge of a distribution park in Warwickshire.
Challenges
The timing of this project required extensive planning. Firstly, environmental surveys were needed to assess for the presence of badgers, bats, salmonoid, nesting birds and otters. We were then governed by the movements of local wildlife to ensure our works did not pose any threat; this was supplemented with continuous monitoring and protection of the wildlife and local ecosystems.
Access to the site was limited down a single-track road and initially a public footpath ran through the site. Access over the bridge was significantly restricted by the overhead HV cables reducing the operating height for plant down to 4.6m. There is also a fast running river beneath the bridge and neighbouring property to the side of the site meaning there was only one way on and off the bridge.
Innovation
We designed with our specialist engineers, Richter, a bespoke steel frame structure to sit above the bridge, supporting it and allowing safe removal of each section of bridge, all within the confines of the site. The steel fabrication was built in the AR workshop by our team.