Project Overview
Demolition of the temporary bridge constructed for the New Bridgewater Bridge project, working beneath the new bridge and over the River Derwent.
The works removed more than 4,000 tonnes of precast concrete deck panels, cut and extracted steel piles below water level, and dismantled girders and headstocks. All materials were transported off site by heavy haulage, and all steel bridge components were re-used to build the same temporary jetty on another project.
Grouted pin connections between deck planks and headstocks were precision cored. 191 deck panels and 78 girders were lifted out, 28 headstocks and 16 headstock extensions were dismantled, and specialist divers cut and extracted 72 steel piles at depths of 1 to 10 m using Broco cutting lances.
Working within the tight spacing of the new bridge piers called for a telescopic crawler crane, with a barge-mounted excavator removing pile offcuts. Environmental controls included marine mammal observation, silt curtains and strict water quality and sediment controls next to a conservation area.
Key figures: More than 4,000 t of precast deck panels removed, 191 deck panels, 78 girders, 72 steel piles extracted underwater.
