Project: Road over rail bridge, Wickham Market
Client: Suffolk County Council

Timescale: July - November 2005
Value:  £1.5 million

May Gurney's Infrastructure Services and Rail Services teams were praised by Suffolk County Council for successfully completing this five-month bridge reconstruction project ahead of schedule.

Suffolk County Council's David Secret said: "There was never an alternative to closing the road to carry out the work. Local businesses were clearly affected. Working with a contractor who was tuned-in to the wider picture of completing as soon as possible, while maintaining the highest level of workmanship and safety, was important. May Gurney delivered."

The project has increased the weight capacity of the bridge from a restrictive 7.5T to the standard 40T. The original wrought iron and brick 'jack arch' bridge deck (built circa 1906) was demolished and replaced with new precast concrete internal and edge beams. Additionally the road approaching the bridge on both sides was substantially reinforced using a combination of precast and insitu concrete beams tied into the bridge deck.

Demolition and construction works were completed over two 54-hour railway possessions, plus an additional eight-hour Saturday and Sunday night possession. 20 Radio Electronic Token Blockages (possessions) allowed additional, safe, daytime access to the site.