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Historic Uk Suspension Bridge Fully Dismantled

road-bridge
Dec 17, 2024
Article Source LogoBridge Web
Bridge Web

The 1,800 parts of a historic suspension bridge in the northeast of England are now safely in storage, ready for testing and restoration.

Whorlton Bridge over the river Tees in County Durham is the UK’s oldest road suspension bridge and it still has its original iron support chains.

Whorlton Bridge during the dismantling work. Credit: Durham County Council

Contractor VolkerLaser used a cable crane under the bridge to perform the work.

Damage to the bridge in 2019 prompted an inspection, and in response it was closed the following year. Then followed two years of engineering planning to ensure work did not further damage the delicate structure.

The bridge is a historic monument, and Durham County Council and its contractor VolkerLaser are working closely with two central government bodies, Historic England and The Environment Agency.

Reconstruction will continue in the spring.

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Rotof 2025: Industry Leaders Gather To Shape The Future Of Road Tunnel Safety
Highway News
Rotof 2025: Industry Leaders Gather To Shape The Future Of Road Tunnel SafetyThe 2025 Road Tunnel Operators Forum (RoTOF) took centre stage at Liverpool’s Titanic Hotel on 18-19 March, bringing together leading voices in tunnel safety, operations, and technology.Hosted by Dalkia, a recognised leader in road tunnel infrastructure, the two-day event provided a vital platform for experts, policymakers, and suppliers to explore the latest advancements shaping the future of tunnel management.With more than 20 major road tunnel refurbishments completed across the UK since 2010, Dalkia has played a key role in delivering large-scale infrastructure solutions, from LED lighting and fire suppression to ventilation and integrated tunnel control systems. Hosting RoTOF 2025 reinforced the company’s commitment to drivinginnovation, improving safety, and fostering industry-wide collaboration.Tackling Industry Challenges and InnovationsThe conference opened with a welcome address from Dalkia, followed by a deep dive into the company’s expertise, including a case study on its refurbishment of the recently Queensway Tunnel upgrade. This set the stage for a packed schedule of expert-led sessions featuring speakers from Atkins Realis, the Road TunnelAssociation, Signify, Liverpool City Region, and Zitron. Key topics included emerging safety regulations, smart technology integration, and sustainable infrastructure solutions.Lively Q&A discussions gave delegates the chance to engage directly with speakers, challenging conventional thinking and exploring practical solutions to the industry’s most pressing challenges. Meanwhile, the associated exhibition showcased some of the latest advancements in tunnel operations, with leading suppliers demonstrating cutting-edge innovations designed to improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability.Shaping the Future of Tunnel OperationsDay two continued the momentum, with sessions featuring Mott MacDonald, Teledyne FLIR, Dublin Port Tunnel, PDS, and Codra, among others. One of the key moments of the day was an address from Dalkia UK’s CEO, who highlighted the company’s role in supporting road tunnel operators with solutions that enhancesafety, efficiency, and sustainability. The forum closed with updates from PIARC and ITA-COSUF, setting the industry’s agenda for the months ahead. The Verdict: A Resounding SuccessBy the time the final discussions wrapped up, one thing was clear – RoTOF 2025 was a resounding success. With industry leaders, technology pioneers, and key decision-makers coming together under one roof, the event reinforced its reputation as a must-attend forum for anyone invested in the future of road tunnel operations. (Pic: Dalkia Engineering/Jeff Evans)
road-bridge
27 March 2025
The Lasting Impact Of The Key Bridge Collapse
roads & bridges
The Lasting Impact Of The Key Bridge CollapseYesterday marks one year since the catastrophic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. The tragic event, caused by the Dali cargo ship crashing into the structure, claimed the lives of six construction workers and left a lasting imprint on the region. While the wreckage was swiftly removed and port operations resumed within months, the disruption to daily life continues to be deeply felt. For many residents, the absence of the Key Bridge has reshaped how they navigate their daily routines, according to a report from WTOP News. Commuters have faced increased congestion in the Fort McHenry and Baltimore Harbor tunnels, with traffic volume up by 15% and 7%, respectively, according to the report. Peak-hour travel times have increased by up to 25 minutes, forcing many to plan their trips around the gridlock. The added fuel costs, longer hours on the road and increased vehicle wear have taken a toll, particularly on truck drivers who relied on the bridge for swift transport. Beyond the logistical hardships, the bridge collapse has had lasting emotional consequences. In the wake of the disaster, artist Roberto Marquez created a memorial along Fort Smallwood Road to honor the six workers who lost their lives, according to a report from CBS. Families of the victims, community members and even visitors from outside Baltimore have stopped to pay their respects, leaving flowers, notes and other tributes at the site. Meanwhile, the Baltimore Museum of Industry is working to preserve the bridge’s legacy with a dedicated exhibit set to open in 2027. The museum has secured a grant to fund part of the project and continues to raise additional resources to ensure the exhibit captures the full historical and emotional weight of the collapse. Currently, plans for the new Key Bridge are moving forward, with state and federal officials working on designs that will improve traffic flow and enhance structural integrity. Funding has been allocated for the project, and preliminary construction efforts, including site preparation and environmental assessments, are already underway. Source: WTOP News, CBS News
road-bridge
27 March 2025
M49 Link Road Lighting Upgrade Completed
Highway News
M49 Link Road Lighting Upgrade CompletedCU Phosco, in partnership with Mway Comms, has successfully upgraded the lighting along the M49 link road in Gloucestershire, replacing outdated SON lighting with advanced P862 LED luminaires. This project, initiated by National Highways, is part of a £126m Nationwide Project aimed at significantly improving energy efficiency, safety, and greatly decreasing the CO2 footprint of the road lighting in accordance with the current National Highways drive lower CO2 emissions. Unique in that it is only accessible from other motorways, the M49 motorway is a critical route in England, linking the M4 (J22) with the M5 (J18A). Constructed alongside the Prince of Wales Bridge in 1996, the M49 provides essential connectivity for motorists between the outskirts of Avonmouth and South Wales. Due to its importance in facilitating regional travel, National Highways sought to modernise the road’s lighting to reduce maintenance costs and improve energy efficiency.In 2019, National Highways Area 1/2 engaged CU Phosco to design a comprehensive lighting solution for the M49 link road. This project, spanning the 5-mile stretch between the M4 and M5, aimed to replace ageing SON lighting with modern, energy-efficient alternatives. Although delayed due to cable infrastructure challenges, the lighting redesign was completed in 2023, allowing CU Phosco to partner with Mway Comms for installation.CU Phosco worked closely with National Highways and Mway Comms to deliver a solution to optimise safety and efficiency along the M49. A total of 255 P862 LED luminaires with ANSI Nema sockets to accommodate the Lucy Zodion CMS were installed, replacing the outdated SON stock. The P862 luminaire, known for its superior optical performance and thermal management, was chosen for its ability to meet National Highways’ strict specifications and supplied, including safety Tether kits.The P862’s dark sky certification ensures minimal light pollution, while its lightweight design and low wind profile made it ideal for installation on existing lighting columns. This project utilised various outputs and bespoke hybrid optics to complement its future-proof design, offering an optimal balance of efficiency, longevity, and performance. The new LED lighting system significantly enhanced visibility and safety along the M49 while also delivering substantial energy savings, helping to align with National Highways’ sustainability goals. Stuart Griffin, Contracts Manager, Mway Comms comments, “Mway Comms and CU Phosco have worked closely to deliver this lighting scheme. Early supplier involvement ensured that all lanterns were delivered in advance of the planned install date to allow for detailed planning to be undertaken, in what has turned out to be a very busy section of the national motorway system. Other major projects in the vicinity, that were utilising the M49 as part of their diversion route restricted the access for installation, but with all 350 lanterns available from the start, works could be rescheduled at short notice to minimise time lost to cancelled road space.” (Pic: CU Phosco)
road-bridge
27 March 2025
Leicester: Latest Stage Of Narborough Road Highway Improvements To Begin
Highway News
Leicester: Latest Stage Of Narborough Road Highway Improvements To BeginThe latest phase in a rolling programme of repairs and improvements to pavements and road surfaces along Narborough Road in Leicester will get under way this weekend. Leicester City Council is carrying out the works to spruce up public areas for local businesses and residents. The latest works focusing on the footways on the outbound section of Narborough Road between Norman Street and Equity Road, and on the inbound section between Cambridge Street and Westcotes Drive. The scheme will involve replacing broken paving slabs with concrete blocks, improving drainage to prevent water from pooling on the pavements, and placing water-permeable resin-bound gravel around the street trees. New bollards will also be installed, as well as new cycle racks, which will help stop vehicles parking on the pavement. The works, costing £350,000 and funded by the council’s Highways Maintenance Capital Budget, are due to begin on Sunday 30 March and will take around six months to complete. Waiting restrictions will be in place where work is taking place and some parking bays in nearby Paton Street will be out of use while they are used for storing essential equipment and materials. Investment in the area in recent years has already improved footways on the outbound side of Narborough Road, between its junctions with Norman Street and Briton Street and Ruding Road and Roman Street, along with the area between Upperton Road and Braunstone Gate. Cllr Geoff Whittle, assistant city mayor for environment and transport, said: “This rolling programme of works has hugely improved Narborough Road for local businesses, residents and visitors by upgrading footpaths, installing new street furniture and fixing drainage problems. “This latest scheme will continue to upgrade the area, helping to further improve the look and feel of the neighbourhood.” (Pic: Leicester City Council)
road-bridge
27 March 2025
‘Uproar’ Over Bridge That Has Been Closed To Traffic For Seven Years
Highway News
‘Uproar’ Over Bridge That Has Been Closed To Traffic For Seven YearsA bridge owned by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in Wales has been closed to traffic for seven years due to safety worries and there is no sign of it reopening any time soon. Inglis Bridge in Monmouth connects the Osbaston estate to the west of Monmouth and in recent years has only been open to pedestrians. But even walkers can no longer use the bridge now because of structural worries. The MoD owns the bridge because it was designed by Charles Edward Inglis, the director of the bridging department of the Royal Engineers, during World War I, and the bridge is a type of military bridge, says Wales Online. The listed structure was closed to vehicles in 2018 but remained open to walkers and cyclists until last year before it was deemed completely unsafe for any public use. For many – including children and their parents at the Church in Wales Osbaston School – it means a more than one-mile detour. Labour MP for Monmouthshire Catherine Fookes said an alternative, even if a temporary and cheaper solution, needs to be found. “The closure of Inglis Bridge has caused significant disruption for residents in Osbaston – including families, schoolchildren, people with disabilities, cyclists and dog walkers,” she said. “I’ve raised this issue with the Ministry of Defence at every opportunity and have been pushing hard for a solution that works for the whole community. While a full refurbishment may be expensive, we have been looking into the prospect of a simpler pedestrian only alternative, which families at Osbaston School have overwhelmingly supported. As we wait to hear back with an update from the MoD, I will continue to do everything I can to make sure this vital route is reopened as soon as possible.” (Pic: Wikipedia)
road-bridge
26 March 2025
Beyond Potholes: Lilian Greenwood On How Tech, Policy And Prevention Will Reshape The Uk’S Roads
Highway News
Beyond Potholes: Lilian Greenwood On How Tech, Policy And Prevention Will Reshape The Uk’S RoadsAre potholes just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the real issues facing our roads? If you’re in the business of managing, maintaining, or modernising highways, you already know that reactive repairs are expensive, inefficient, and deeply unpopular. In this episode of Highways Voices, Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood (pictured, with Highways News co-owner Adrian Tatum) lays out how government and industry must work together to shift from short-term fixes to long-term, tech-powered strategies that deliver value and resilience. Subscribe to Highways Voices free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts or Pocket Casts and never miss an episode! In this episode you will learn the Minister’s views on: Tap play now to hear how your organisation can align with the government’s vision and be part of transforming the UK’s highway future. Highways Voices is brought to you with our partners the Transport Technology Forum, LCRIG, ADEPT and ITS UK. (Picture – Highways News)
road-bridge
26 March 2025
Upcoming M67 Closure Will See 34M Long Beams Installed For £23M Bridge Replacement
New Civil Engineer (Road)
Upcoming M67 Closure Will See 34M Long Beams Installed For £23M Bridge ReplacementNational Highways’ £23M project to replace a bridge over the M67 will see the installation of four pairs of steel beams on the weekend of 4 to 7 April, requiring a part closure of the motorway. St Anne’s Road bridge across the motorway in Denton, Greater Manchester was identified as a safety risk due to its age and had to be replaced. The prior phase of the project included the successful demolition of the bridge, completed by principal contractor Tilbury Douglas at the end of last year. This involved the removal of the main deck and upper parts of the abutment walls that flank the structure. Modifications to these walls have been ongoing to prepare for the new installations. The new braced steel beams weigh over 250t collectively and will support the new bridge deck. Each pair of braced beams weighs up to 65t and measure 34m in length, 3m in width and 1.5m in height. Two cranes will be employed to safely place these beams into position. The replacement of the bridge is crucial not only for improving road safety but also for ensuring unrestricted access for all motorists, particularly enhancing eastbound access to the motorway. The St Anne’s Road bridge has long been a critical conduit for essential utility services including water, gas, electricity and telecommunications, serving a wide area across Greater Manchester. Work to re-route these services was completed earlier. The construction sequence for the bridge replacement can be seen in the below video. To facilitate the upcoming work, the M67 section running beneath the bridge will be closed in both directions from 9pm on Friday 4 April, until 5am on Monday 7 April. This closure will affect the stretch between junction 1A at Denton and junction 3 at Hyde and is the final planned weekend closure for the bridge replacement. Following the installation of the steel beams, the project will transition into the next phase, which includes the construction of the new bridge deck. Some additional overnight closures of the motorway will be necessary to ensure the safe completion of this critical infrastructure project. The modified abutment walls ready for the installation of the new beams National Highways programme delivery manager Mangat Bansal said: “This final weekend closure will allow our teams to safely install the eight steel beams which will carry the new bridge across the motorway. “It is imperative we keep the travelling public and our workforce safe. To achieve this, we need to close the motorway for the weekend to allow for the heavy machinery needed to undertake this work to be brought in. “We always strive to minimise disruption, although regretfully delays to journeys are expected. We therefore advise everyone to plan before they travel and allow extra time. We apologise for any inconvenience this work will cause and thank people for their support and patience while we continue our work.” Diversion route during upcoming M67 closure Like what you've read? To receive New Civil Engineer's daily and weekly newsletters click here.
road-bridge
26 March 2025
Transport Scotland Announces Road Safety Improvement Funding
Highway News
Transport Scotland Announces Road Safety Improvement FundingMore than 120 road safety improvement projects have received funding from the Scottish Government, supporting efforts to help save lives on the country’s roads. A total of £10m has been allocated to councils from the Road Safety Improvement Fund for initiatives that address safety concerns across Scotland’s local road network.  These projects include: Progress is also being made on the implementation of 20mph speed limits across the local road network with seven local authorities nearing completion or having fully implemented their schemes. Speaking ahead of the Road Safety Scotland Annual Seminar in Edinburgh, Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “Road safety is a priority for the Scottish Government and its partners and we remain absolutely committed to working together to reach our ambitious goal of making Scotland’s roads the safest in the world by 2030. “The Road Safety Improvement Fund and the roll out of 20 mph speed limits are great examples of that partnership working in action, as they aim to support local authorities save lives on the local road network. “It’s encouraging to see so many councils bring forward projects that will make a real difference to road safety in their areas and I look forward to seeing them delivered.  I’m also very pleased to see progress being made in implementing 20 mph limits on the local road network. “We must never lose sight of the fact that one death on our roads is one too many and that is why we have earmarked a record £48m for road safety in the draft budget for 2025/26. I remain resolute in my determination to save lives and ensure a safer Scotland for all.” (Pic: Transport Scotland)
road-bridge
26 March 2025