VolkerLaser and VolkerHighways complete Queen Elizabeth Bridge project
VolkerHighways and VolkerLaser recently collaborated to complete crucial improvement works to Queen Elizabeth Bridge in Windsor. The teams began the £2.1 million contract, on behalf of The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, in August 2020, and completed the works last month.
The 1966 bridge is a heavily trafficked road that forms part of the A332 Royal Windsor Way Road, a key link between Windsor and the M4 motorway over the River Thames.
The project consisted of replacing the bridge’s holding down members because of severe corrosion.
VolkerHighways partnered with VolkerLaser to provide early contractor involvement advice and worked collaboratively to determine solutions for the bridge repairs.
VolkerLaser’s scope of work included structural investigations and monitoring, feasibility studies, the design of temporary works, design management and all structural repairs.
Repairs included the jacking and installation of new prestressed holding down members to abutments, concrete repairs, expansion joints and waterproofing the structure.
To increase efficiency throughout the project, VolkerLaser used V-Deck, an innovative under deck access system. V-Deck replaces traditional scaffolding for under deck working, and reduces temporary structure load and manual handling, which results in reduced timings and associated costs.
Throughout the works, VolkerHighways managed vehicle and pedestrian traffic, including increased and advanced signage. To minimise disruption, our teams worked closely with the Royal Borough and Highways England to maximise out of hours works and coordinate road closures.
Back in April, Daron Mizen, project manager for VolkerHighways, and Peter Seaman, project manager for VolkerLaser, were joined by Councillor Gerry Clark, the council’s cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, and Councillor Samantha Rayner, deputy leader, for a guided tour of the bridge. The councillors had the opportunity to learn more about the project, to ask questions about the innovative solutions used for the repair, including the V-Deck system, and to meet the team.
Daron Mizen said: “It’s thanks to the collaboration between VolkerHighways and VolkerLaser’s experienced crew in bridge structural repairs, that the bridge remains an important transport link for locals, businesses and visitors in Windsor. We look forward to collaborating with the team on further projects in the future.”
Peter Seaman said: “This was an exciting project for VolkerLaser and the positive feedback from the team on the variety of the works makes it so rewarding. The project was made such a success by the seamless collaboration between VolkerHighways and VolkerLaser, and the limited impact on the general public.”
Councillor Gerry Clark, cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said: “I’m delighted that work to the bridge has now been completed. It is part of a major arterial route in and out of our historic town of Windsor, so keeping it in good working order is crucial for the borough’s road users, those visiting and others passing through.
“These works demonstrate the council’s commitment to investing in our ongoing highways maintenance and improvement programme, ensuring our roads are in a safe and usable condition for everyone. I’m pleased that disruption was kept to a minimum while this work was carried out, and I’d like to thank everyone who uses this route for their patience.”