Griffiths ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
As the longest timber viaduct in Wales and one of the oldest still in regular use in Britain , the bridge was in poor condition with many corroded metallic elements and decayed timber . The project entailed strengthening and upgrading both timber and metal elements , which included the complex task of moving two almost 200-tonne spans and reconstructing sections of the bridge . To further complicate the project requirements , the viaduct also holds Grade II listed status , meaning the refurbishment works had to replace components with similar products to maintain the bridge ’ s original appearance .
Griffiths successfully handed the structure back to Network Rail in November 2023 but continued with the final phase of the project to complete painting and remove temporary works . However , with over 400 tonnes of new steel and more than 1300 square metres of scaffolding required , as well as four major
storms to navigate , the project was no mean feat and stands as testament to Griffiths ’ dedication to excellence in infrastructure refurbishment .
Successful solutions
Having been involved with the Barmouth Viaduct project since the beginning , we ’ re joined by Steve Richardson , Engineering Manager , to learn more about the complexities and challenges . “ I ’ ve been fully focused on the Barmouth Viaduct project for the last four years , but my involvement started before that when I completed minor steelworks and timberworks repairs on the track in a framework contract for Network Rail around six years ago ,” Steve opens .
“ At that time , a feasibility study was
underway to explore all possible solutions for replacing the metallics work . The timberworks were more straightforward , as there are only
Photo credit : Dave Powell Photography
Contact us :
Phone : 01291 626 994
BRIDGE SPECIALISTS & CONSULTING ENGINEERS
Website : www . casshayward . com Twitter : @ casshaywardLLP LinkedIn : Cass Hayward LLP
Solutions
We pride ourselves on the quality and innovative solutions we provide for :
• Railway underline & overline bridges
• Highway bridges
• Pedestrian bridges
• Cycleway bridges
• Moveable bridges
• RO / RO link spans
Specialist
We have extensive experience and specialist expertise in :
• Rail bridges for High Speed lines • Dynamic response analysis • Temporary works design for bridges
• Bridge construction engineering • Bridge erection methodology
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