More news from the first work site, being bridge 5, Little Buckland.

 

Basically the whole site has been enclosed in fencing to stop anyone wandering into a hole, or dangerous work area. Then the space beneath the bridge has been decked out with a fully boarded scaffolding platform, beneath which is a walkway so that pedestrians, cyclists, prams, etc can safely pass through the working area. The platform is there so that the shot blasters (due in on Friday) can get reasonably close to the steel to do their work. Then the steel repairers will follow them, starting on Monday.

The main bridge span has been encapsulated with reinforced plastic sheeting. This is to contain the dust, scale and paint debris, and shot residue, which will arise when the structure is given an initial blast clean to remove corrosion from the areas that need to be repaired.  It will remain in place until the final shotblast of the entire structure is done, after the repairs are complete. Then 3 coats of paint will be applied.

On the downside, Broadway end wing wall, the cracked and displaced brickwork has now been removed ready for re-building. On Wednesday the contractor was working on removing the cracked brickwork from around the top of the abutment (downside, Broadway end).

Down side view showing encapsulation and walkway

 

Up side view

Outer girder bearing point

This picture shows the down side outer main girder showing the corroded state. These are the bits that cannot be seen and maintenance is almost impossible here.

Deck plate showing a tear and holes

 This picture shows the deck plate which has a tear and holes, which allow the water through causing the corrosion.

Wing wall, with cracked brickwork removed

Steady progress therefore - more news at the end of the week.