BIG LIFT FOR BOLTON BRIDGE WORKS

Friday 13 May 2005

BIG LIFT FOR BOLTON BRIDGE WORKS

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Major work on a replacement railway bridge at Great Moor Street in Bolton saw a huge lifting operation take place as 40 concrete beams were lowered into position at the site. An 800 tonne crane was needed to lift the beams into position during the latest phase of work, which took place during the Bank Holiday weekend. (Apr 30 & May 1) Peter Strachan, Network Rail Route Director, said: “The work is part of a continued nationwide programme to strengthen and replace highway bridges. The lifting phase was a crucial part of the work, which we expect to finish by the end of July.” The concrete beams were cast in Northern Ireland and transported by ferry and road to Bolton in time for the scheduled lifting work, which was part of a £2m reconstruction of the bridge. Network Rail has managed the project, with contractor Galliford Try carrying out the works. Funding has come from Bolton Council, with the authority’s engineers also involved in the design of the scheme.

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