A 126-year-old bridge taking the Swinton Junction to Milford Junction line over the A645 near Pontefract has been replaced during a 53-hour possession. The work was carried out by Balfour Beatty Regional Civil Engineering as part of a £900,000 design and build contract.
Modified in 1911, the structure was built at a skew of 65 degrees with a clear span of 24.3 metres. But with vehicle headroom of only 4.5 metres, it proved susceptible to bridge strikes. Inspections had identified that the main girders were under strength in bending and that the deck plates needed extensive repairs.
The new 510-tonne bridge, which is designed to provide increased clearances, was constructed on temporary supports in a nearby field. Self-propelled modular transporter units were then used to remove the old structure and carry the new one into position. The reinforced concrete cill units, including bearings, were lifted together with the deck and track ballast.
