Unique 19th Century British Bridge Begins Makeover

A one-of-a-kind bridge built during the industrial revolution to support both canal and rail transport, is getting a major facelift as part of a multi-million pounds Network Rail (NR) project.

Keadby Canal Bridge, also known as Vazon Railway Bridge, was built in 1850 and is a unique ‘sliding bridge’ in North Lincolnshire. There are only two others in the world.

However, it came to the attention of engineers after numerous faults were discovered, leading to difficulties in opening & closing the bridge, closures of the canal and repeated repairs and inspections. All resulted in disruption on a vital freight route between Doncaster and Scunthorpe.

Solutions to these issues have now been developed between Network Rail, HBPW, AmcoGiffen and NR’s various maintenance teams and, whilst initial holding repairs have been undertaken, a more far-reaching project will see the structure overhauled in 2024.

Partner Jon Livesey, said: “This is an important bridge and, in the first instance, we needed to safeguard its operation which we did with various small scale remedial repairs, however, there were a series of other underlying issues that also needed resolving, meaning the on-going challenge is to deliver a more permanent holistic solution over the coming months and years.”

The original 1850 bridge foundations are still in place and their deterioration has meant some variation in stiffness beneath the track and around the bridge itself.

This, combined with increased use of the line by freight traffic, means the sub structure has gradually deteriorated with consequential track faults, the need for multiple engineering interventions and NR’s decision to instigate a more robust ‘whole bridge’ solution.

“The bridge needs to be re-set to operate more reliably and the badly damaged bearing area needs to be strengthened to better accommodate the hammering from passage of wheels over the rail gaps.” said Jon, “so we are looking to replace one of the bearing beams, introduce some elastomeric bearings, set the bridge to work on a horizontal plane and improve track fixity.

“In 1850 the Keadby structure was ahead of its time. The challenge now is to ensure that a bridge, not far off its 175^th birthday, is given a shelf life that will take it forward for another two centuries.”