The route of the new £22m Rugeley Eastern Bypass is on the flood plain to the River Trent and passes below two railway lines on high embankments. Phase 2 of the three phase scheme incorporated two new rail underbridges, 5450T and 3500T, and 600m of carriageway.

The underbridges being slid 
into position.

TGP became involved at the feasibility stage which included early consultation with the main project stakeholders – Staffordshire County Council and Network Rail - to identify their key requirements and risks associated with the project.

The larger rail underbridge structure comprised a single span steel box girder bridge on reinforced concrete cantilever abutments and wingwalls founded on the river terraced gravels. The bridge deck has a 40m span with a 55º skew and was cast, together with the abutments, alongside the embankment before being slid into position using a slide and jack system. The railway was closed for 168 hours during which the embankment was excavated out, the bridge installed and the embankment and rail line reinstated.  

The abutments were also designed to accommodate the temporary steelwork system within a series of fabricated beams through the wall stem and post tensioned anchorages onto the locally strengthened base slab. The slide system was supported on reinforced concrete bases lifted into position in advance of the slide. The total weight of the slide was approximately 5500T. In addition a monitoring and adjustment system was also installed at deck level to facilitate the adjustment of the deck both during the slide and to achieve the correct deck alignment.

The second structure was installed during a two week closure of the railway. The bridge comprised an RC portal frame deck and abutments with integral wingwalls founded onto the river terraced gravels. The bridge deck has an 18m span with a 15º degree skew. This 3500T structure was also cast along side the embankment prior to its slide installation during a cut and fill operation. 

TGP was responsible for the design of the permanent works for both bridges along with the temporary works for the installation. The scheme was developed closely with the contractor during the design phase.

Award

• ICE West Midlands Region Awards 2007 - Construction Project Winner

Press release

Other TGP Awards