Delph & Smeeth

No, not a Yellow Pages listing under 'solicitors' but in fact two cut off channel bridges in Suffolk where May Gurney has recently completed reconstruction work on behalf of the Environment Agency (EA) under the Suffolk Bridges Framework.

The Suffolk Bridges' Framework commenced in May 2002 and has been twice extended to run until April 2009. The framework covers replacing or renovating existing bridges over rivers and railway lines, and includes an option to build new bridges. To date, May Gurney has worked on 32 bridges under the framework, which includes five for the Environment Agency.

The works comprised: demolition of the existing post tensioned bridge; partial demolition and reconstruction of reinforced concrete abutments; installation of new steel beams; construction of the reinforced concrete deck; temporary diversions of utility services; resurfacing the bridge deck; and installation of parapet fencing and revetment mats. Both projects took 32 weeks to complete.

Following exceptionally high scores achieved in safety audits undertaken by the EA, both sites were awarded the Making a Safer Working Environment Award at the EA's National Capital Programme Management Service annual conference in June.

John Chick, Director commented: "This award highlights the professionalism and commitment to health, safety and environmental management of the site team. We are proud of their efforts on our behalf."

Further work for the EA under the Suffolk Bridges Framework is due to commence in December 2007.