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Ainscough Crane Hire’s Welsh depot has completed the installation of a new cycle and pedestrian Active Travel Bridge over the River Severn in Newton, Powys, on behalf of Powys County Council (PCC), as a part of Ainscough’s new “Ainscough Project Division” scheme.
In planning since late 2021, the project has been the subject of intense planning and scrutiny, given the sites precarious location to the river, cordage, telephone lines and environmental obstacles.
Employed by R&R Engineering and principal contractor JN Bentley, the team were on site to rig the Terex Demag TC2800-1 – one of the largest strut cranes in the UK – for three days prior to the lift.
On the Thursday before the planned lift, a test lift was performed which found that the bridge was heavier than expected. This required the team to redesign the lift, bringing a lighter hook block to site and change the wire slings to round slings.
Following enabling works, the team encountered a two day delay due to high winds that posed a safety risk. To ensure public safety, PCC took proactive measures to evacuate 68 homes prior to and during the work.
Once the weather cleared, the 88.9tn bridge and parapet were lifted using a round sling and additional attachments, reducing the crane’s load capacity.
The lift was completed on the 29 June between 12:00 and 18:30 hours. Other cranes associated with the job were a 100t from Birmingham as the rigging and tray crane, and a 200t nationwide crane used for man-riding the basket to remove the top slings.
Throughout the lift process, daily communications were maintained between the client, principal contractor, and council to ensure total safety and a prompt and proper execution.
Involved in the lift were: Igor Scalas, Project Engineer for Heavy Cranes and Projects, Darren Jackson, Lift Supervisor, Marcus Hurst & Andy Walls, Crane Operators, Ashley Winter, Kyle Nelson & Carl Barton as rigging and lift Assisting Team.
Following the job, the team took a further three days to de-rig the cranes.
Igor Scalas, Project Engineer, said: “This lift’s success hinged on a clear vision, the team’s aspirations, and the commitment to creating an impact. Through shared decision-making and communication, we confidently tackled a complex and potentially unsafe lift in the Ainscough way, making the safe choice.
“We would like to thank our client, contractors and council for their continued support and engagement throughout the process, it ensured that our brief was met in a safe and timely manner. We look forward to seeing the bridge in action and further our work with all parties involved.”
Works to complete the installation, bridge deck and connecting paths will continue. During this time, the NCR 81 (National Cycle Route) on the western side of the river will be temporarily closed for a few days. Signs and diversions routes will be displayed onsite.
Funded by Welsh Government with support from Transport for Wales, the steel, single span, open arch structure will connect the riverside path, communities, businesses, and amenities on the west of the River Severn to Pool Road on the east.
This project will add to the growing network of active travel routes throughout the county and will make it easier for the people of Newtown to make short journeys such as to work, school, or the local shops, by bike or on foot, rather than having to get in the car.
