VolkerLaser has announced the completion of a project to strengthen and widen a 1960s bridge in the north west of England to meet the needs of their client Enfinium’s waste-to-energy plant.

Skelton Grange Bridge near Leeds, West Yorkshire, crosses both the River Aire and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. During the planning process for a new waste-to-energy facility, it was found that the bridge would need strengthening for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). The structure is also valued by pedestrians and cyclists as it carries Sustrans cycle Route 67 and the Trans-Pennine Trail walking route. So the refurb included provisions for these users.

The work involved strengthening the half joints to increase the weight capacity from 18t to 40t. VolkerLaser installed an advanced system not used before in the UK. It employs steel plates clamped to the top and bottom of the half joints. The contractor then passed vertical Macalloy bars through the plates and stressed them on completion.

Detail of the strengthening work on Skelton Grange Bridge. Credit: VolkerLaser

The structure has also been waterproofed and resurfaced, and fitted with new vehicle movement joints and a vehicle restraint system.

During the work, the contractor widened the bridge with the installation of a bespoke steel walkway, 1.8m in width, for cyclists and walkers.

Skelton Grange Bridge during improvement works. Credit: VolkerLaser

But Leeds Cycling Campaign has criticised the steep steps between the bridge and the canal towpath on the north side. It says that these make the bridge inaccessible to some users, including those using cargo bikes and mobility aids.