Woodgate Underbridge

Client:
Network Rail

Project Type:
Bridge Deck Replacement

Woodgate Underbridge is a single span rail bridge carrying a freight line near Fowey. The existing metal structure was life expired and as part of a design and build contract with BAM Nuttall, Crouch Waterfall designed a replacement bridge deck using the existing substructure.

The railway at this location has no land access other than along the railway line itself. As a single bi-directional line which is the primary conduit for transporting China Clay from the quarries to Fowey Docks, possession availability is very limited.

The solution designed by Crouch Waterfall, as an alternative to the conforming tender design, was to have individual precast concrete sections with weight within the capacity of rail mounted machines. These precast concrete sections were designed to be transported to site by rail in sequence, lifted from the rail trailer transporting the sections into their final position using rail mounted machines and post tensioned together within a short possession window.

The existing substructure was assessed and reused for the new deck. Demolition checks and temporary works for erection of the structure were also designed by Crouch Waterfall.