A century old bridge got 21st century treatment when HBPW’s 3d modellers used hi-tech software to show Network Rail how engineers planned to give their structure a new lease of life.
Lumby Lane Bridge at Monk Fryston in North Yorkshire failed Network Rail’s BE4 liability tests when inspected as part of the Bridgeguard 3 programme.
Design Engineer, Ross Hardy, said: “The existing bridge was restricted to a three tonne weight limit after it failed structural assessments.
“However, misuse of this restriction, and the added difficulty of controlling it, resulted in NR deciding to close the bridge 12 months ago so that they could demolish the existing structure and carry out a full reconstruction.”
Work begins this month when a new bridge deck superstructure will be installed by AMCO Rail Ltd, using existing foundations.
“The 3d moving images are incredibly helpful,” added Ross. “Not only do they enable engineers to better illustrate schemes, but they also aid swifter decision making by clients because of improved clarity.”
This is one of many road bridges Ross has been involved with. He completed work on Network Rail’s Belgrave Terrace structure in Scarborough and is currently working on the design of bridge reconstructions on the Midland Mainline Electrification Scheme.