A bridge in south east England with significant inclination in the deck was jacked up so the bearings could be replaced.
Working under contract for the UK’s state road agency National Highways, VolkerLaser carried out the work on Quarry Hill bridge, which takes a slip road over a major road in Tonbridge, Kent.
VolkerLaser laterally stabilised and scaffolded the bridge, which has a significant incline, before installing temporary strengthening. Concrete around the jack locations was removed with hydro-demolition, and then new jacking cobles were installed, along with jacks and jacking plates. The bridge was jacked 2-3mm and the old bearings removed.
After casting new cobles and constructing plinths, VolkerLaser installed replacement elastomeric bearings. The contractor then lowered the bridge on to the new bearings before removing the temporary works.
A traffic management system by HW Martin allowed the work to go ahead with minimal disruption, and it finished on schedule.
