Tintern Wireworks Bridge – March 2023 Update

In early February, temporary works were installed in preparation to support the new bridge steelwork. Temporary cross-beams with a roller and guide arrangement were set up, spanning between the bottom flanges of the existing bridge beams, which had previously been grit blasted, repaired and painted during January. The beams, rollers and guides are referred to as a ‘launching system’ and allow the beams to be pushed across the span of the existing bridge and into position. The team used a 40t crane to lift the new steelwork onto the launching system. 

The first load of five beams for the centre ‘spine’ of the bridge was delivered to site on 13 February. Each steelwork beam was lifted off the delivery vehicle and placed on the launching system, ready for moving into position at the eastern end of the bridge.

The site team pushed each of the five beam sections into position by hand and the first centre string was installed in approximately four hours. The beam string was then checked for alignment and jacked up to the correct level, ready for welding.

Following the installation of the first string, the outer strings were delivered and installed on 20 and 27 February respectively and were fully welded together to create the new deck structure.

Earlier this week, works to remove the encapsulation sheeting began, in order to allow the scaffolding to be dismantled.

The remaining masonry repair and repointing works are continuing to the existing bridge abutments and piers, and all works are currently expected to be complete by the end of April 2023.