Network Rail and its contractor Graham Construction ensured that passengers travelling between East Croydon and London Bridge experienced no disruption during the operation to install the Tennison Road bridge deck.
The US$16 million road bridge was launched across the 10 operational rail lines that form the main lines into London Bridge at Tennison Road in Norwood Junction in south London.
The original Tennison Road Bridge has spanned the main lines between London Bridge and East Croydon since 1922. The new, wider bridge was launched into position using a hydraulic strand jack system.
Network Rail's scheme project manager, Shane O'Connor, said: "A combination of technology and engineering expertise meant we could keep trains and passengers moving while we the bridge was launched across the tracks. This is the first time we’ve worked in this way – in the past the only way would have involved a complete closure of the railway, which would have caused huge disruption.”
Rory McFadden, project manager for Graham Construction, said: "Launching a 565-tonne bridge over 10 operational rail lines is quite a feat of engineering but the innovative methods used allowed for a controlled and safe installation. That said, it took a lot of preparation in advance of the actual launch.”
Tennison Road Bridge is due to open for public use in spring 2015.
