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FINAL DECK UNIT INSTALLED

Press release 28/04/1998 00:00 CET

The last 42-tonne deck unit at Kvaerner Construction’s Dartford Crossing site was lowered into position last week, three months ahead of programme.

This important element is part of the £18.5 million refurbishment of the East Tunnel and Essex Viaduct being carried out on behalf of Dartford River Crossing and represents a major milestone to the successful completion of the scheme.

Work began replacing the 1048-metres of road slab last July to a tight programme with deck replacement carried out during night possession between the hours of 8pm and 5:30am to avoid traffic congestion. Specially designed plant and equipment that was further developed during the contract enabled the site team to achieve a higher output than originally planned, whilst still ensuring that the tunnel was ready for operation each morning.

The team is now repositioning services which had to be temporarily diverted whilst the tunnel road deck was replaced. Work continues on re-constructing the piers to the Essex Viaduct.

The scheme is due for completion in October.

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