The bridge had five main girder trusses, some weighing more than 75t. “A Liebherr LG 1550 1000t mobile crane was used to lift the main girders as part of the single biggest lift operation Keltbray has ever completed,” said Keltbray lifting operations manager Steve Leyton. It is also the first time a project of this size was not sub-contracted out. “We hope with this new in-house expertise, we can reduce our craneage costs and become more competitive in securing future works of this kind.”

Keltbray’s project manager Gavin Lawless said: “We originally looked at the possibility of removing the bridge for reuse elsewhere as a complete unit, but were unable to find a suitable location so the timber decking has been removed 90% intact with most of it donated for use in a sustainable eco-garden at the Cre8 Lifestyle Centre in Hackney Wick to benefit the local community. The remaining materials, including concrete and steel, are being crushed and recycled for use in other projects.”