Completion of Skelton Grange Bridge refurbishment
After commencing works at the start of 2022, VolkerLaser is proud to announce the successful completion of the Skelton Grange Bridge refurbishments in Leeds, on behalf of our client, Enfinium.
Originally built in the 1960’s, Skelton Grange Bridge spans over the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and River Aire. As part of the planning for Enfinium’s new waste-to-energy facility, it was determined that the bridge required significant strengthening to accommodate the large articulated vehicles accessing the facility. A popular route amongst pedestrians and cyclists, the refurbishment also prioritised improved access for the local community.
The refurbishment involved three distinct phases of works. The first phase focused on the removal of the existing parapets and widening the of the bridge. Phase two involved the installation of a bespoke steel walkway, providing an additional 1.8 metres of width to the existing walkway on the east parapet. The final phase included the design and installation of the half joint strengthening system, followed by waterproofing, resurfacing and installation of new movement joints and vehicle restraint system.
Before the refurbishment, the bridge had a maximum weight capacity of 18 tonnes. Following our specialist team’s extensive works, the bridge can now support up to 40 tonnes, enabling the structure to support the large articulated vehicles servicing the facility.
A key feature of the strengthening works was the installation of bespoke steel plates and Macalloy bars. This advanced system, used for the first time in the UK, involved clamping large steel plates to the top and bottom of the bridge’s four half joints, with vertical Macalloy bars passing through the plates and then being stressed upon completion.
The project also delivered significant improvements in pedestrian and cyclist accessibility. On the east parapet, a new bespoke steel walkway was bolted onto the existing structure, extending its width by 1.8 metres. Additionally, a central staircase now offers direct access to local pedestrian and cycle routes, maintaining the bridge’s role as a crucial link for the community.
Further enhancing usability and safety, a new pedestrian ramp and cycleway were constructed at the southern end of the bridge. This design allows individuals to travel beneath the bridge, avoiding the need to cross traffic and providing a seamless connection to the surrounding network of cycle paths.
With its enhanced capacity and accessibility, the strengthened Skelton Grange Bridge is now fully operational, serving as a vital link for industrial traffic and local users alike.
