The BAM team, working in collaboration with Network Rail, completed the installation of the 670-tonne structure in Moy despite the challenges presented by Storm Arwen, which brought winds of up to 145km/h along with temperatures of -8°C.
BAM's Scottish rail team, joined by BAM teams from Highways and Rail South, worked throughout a three-day blockade to install the prefabricated bridge, as part of Scotland's Railways A9 railway infrastructure upgrades. The 200-strong team included BAM Nuttall, Network Rail, Story, Mammoet, Kelly Electrical Services and SA Evans.
The work also required more than 10,000 tonnes of back-fill stone to re-establish the embankment behind the bridge.
Over the last six months, the bridge and wing walls have been constructed in BAM’s site compound to the north of the bridge. The off-line construction allowed BAM to reduce disruption to passengers by eliminating the need for an extended railway line closure.
Huw Jones, divisional director, rail at BAM Nuttall, said: “Our team faced some really challenging conditions over the course of this weekend, having to deal with some of the worst winter weather we have ever experienced on a rail blockade. The safe, successful, on-time delivery of this project is a tribute to the commitment and close collaboration of our team and the meticulous preparation undertaken in the run-up to this possession. This would not have been possible without the strong collaboration across the integrated team, and I would like to thank everyone for their dedication over the weekend and during the last few months."
The project employed a gritter working 24/7 to keep transport safe throughout the period. The works were successfully completed with no accidents or incidents and the line was reopened.
In the circumstances, the team was also particularly grateful to Ness Side Catering for providing everyone with hot drinks and food throughout.
