Network Rail awards bridge project

May Gurney Rail Services has been awarded a contract by Network Rail to build a replacement road over rail bridge at Hipperholme in Halifax.

The new bridge will carry the road over the Milner Road Junction to Bradford Mill Lane Junction line. The railway line here carries both passenger and freight traffic and is the alternative route to Manchester Airport.

Russell Adams, May Gurney, Rail Services Managing Director said "The LNE Civils Team is thrilled to win this contract, which, I understand, is one of the first to be put up for tender by Network Rail under the new rules that govern the LNE Framework."

Prior to the commencement of works, some tree clearance at the site is necessary together with the erection of a temporary pedestrian bridge that will double up as a support structure for services.

When this has been completed, the existing bridge will be demolished and the new bridge constructed using a series of eight-hour possessions. However, these will only be available infrequently, due to the route's role serving Manchester Airport.

The current bridge, which does not meet existing highway standards to carry 40 tonne vehicles, will be dismantled using a 300 tonne mobile crane. The works will then involve the construction of a composite concrete deck on weathering steel plate girders with high containment parapets. These will be manufactured elsewhere, transported to site and lifted into position using a 500 tonne mobile crane.