Clifton Bridge is a key part of the West Coast Main Line, a vital rail corridor that connects London and Scotland.
The former 60-year-old structure, which spans six-lanes of the M6, was demolished in a carefully managed operation on the first weekend in January.
Across the second weekend in January, our near 100-strong team moved the new bridge into position. Using Self Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs) we carefully moved the structure from where it had been built on site onto its support structures.
Watch timelapse footage as the new bridge is moved into position.
Christian Irwin OBE, Network Rail North West and Central region Capital Delivery director, said: “It’s a testament to the hard work of hundreds of people that we’ve been able to install this huge new structure both successfully and speedily. We've been in close contact with National Highways throughout so we could capitalise on that and get the M6 reopen over half a day ahead of schedule to alleviate pressure on local roads.”
Our teams have been working in shifts 24/7 for the past two weeks to achieve both key project milestones. “Hats off to the entire team for these truly outstanding achievements across both weekends,” said Skanska’s Project Director, Joe Bennett.
“When the pressure was on, we worked together with our customer Network Rail, National Highways and partners to deliver two really complex and challenging milestones.
“With the bridge works complete, our focus now turns to providing support to Network Rail and CRSA who will install new track and reconnect overhead power lines and signalling systems, ready for the railway to re-open on the morning of Thursday 15 January.”
Watch a film with Joe and members of the team reflecting on the weekend works.
The work is not yet done. Over the coming months, we will complete reinstatement and ancillary civils works, before returning the site to fields.
The project has been delivered using the strength of the Skanska UK business, including Cementation Skanska for piling, ground engineering and minor civils work, Skanska Technology, our Design & Engineering team and expert enabling functions.
Divisional Director, James Corker, said: “I’d like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who has worked across Christmas, the new year period and weekends to deliver such an important project.
“It’s meant time away from families and loved ones. The team has worked tirelessly, with great collaboration and support for each other, to achieve such an outstanding result.
“It’s a fantastic demonstration of our strengths, capabilities and collaborative way of working. It’s a tremendous achievement!”