Case Study
Civil Infrastructure
NETWORK RAIL, RIVER STOUR
STOURBRIDGE
DIRECT FIX INSTALLATION REDUCES RISKS
As Network Rail continues its programme of upgrades, Osprey’s heavy lift teams have been installing all kinds of infrastructure. Every time we’re involved, our teams glean new insights.
Here’s a brief synopsis of our work at Stour Bridge, in May 2021.
STOUR BRIDGE
In this project, we were asked to provide the engineering and equipment needed to replace one of Network Rail’s 1,900 bridges.
- This involved a new type of bridge installation: direct fix. All of the associated rail infrastructure is put in place, before it’s moved into its final location.
- The bridge is fabricated: the concrete decks are cast, and the tracks are directly fixed to the base infrastructure, so there’s no additional ballast needed on the deck.
- By enabling other suppliers to work on the infrastructure at ground level first, we’re reducing their need to work at height. As well as cutting down the resources and time needed for those works, this approach mitigates risk for the project overall.
This change to the bridge’s form was also a significant one for Network Rail. It meant the underside of the new installation now sits 350mm higher than previously, at the 1-in-100 flood level for the River Stour. Less risk, more sustainable infrastructure and, crucially, an increased line speed through this part of the network.
Delivering
- Engineering
- Logistics
- LTM1800 Crane
- Project Management
"Every time we develop a new approach, we pick up insights that can be valuable to other sectors. Ground-level installations reducing work at height, for example."Simon Massey, Managing Director - Heavy Lift Division
See us at work
