First deck span completed for Mersey Gateway's north approach viaduct

The Mersey Gateway Project achieved another milestone as the first deck span for the elevated north approach viaduct was completed. The reinforced concrete deck span was revealed when Merseylink's movable scaffolding system (MSS) 'Trinity' moved to its second casting position. It is the first of 11 spans that will be cast by the MSS for the deck of the elevated approach viaduct on the north side of the River Mersey.
February 12, 2016 Read time: 2 mins

The 6126 Mersey Gateway Project achieved another milestone as the first deck span for the elevated north approach viaduct was completed.

The reinforced concrete deck span was revealed when Merseylink's movable scaffolding system (MSS) 'Trinity' moved to its second casting position. It is the first of 11 spans that will be cast by the MSS for the deck of the elevated approach viaduct on the north side of the River Mersey.

The MSS, which acts as a giant concrete mould, was specially designed for the Mersey Gateway Project. It is being used to build the two elevated approach viaducts over the Mersey estuary.

The span connects the beginning of the approach viaduct from the north abutment in Widnes to the first supporting pier. It measures around 60m long and 18m wide and is angled at 5 degrees to allow vehicles to travel safely around the curve of the approach road.

Construction teams worked around the clock to get the span ready. This involved pouring 1,146m3 of concrete into the MSS non-stop over 34 hours.


"This is a real achievement for the project and a milestone that we've been looking forward to with anticipation,” said Declan Cannar, Merseylink's general foreman in charge of the MSS operation. “We're now busy preparing the MSS so it's ready to cast the next section."

The approach viaduct deck is being constructed in three phases. The deck spans are constructed first by the MSS, then a deck slab is built on top of the span, and finally the outer deck or ‘wings' are built by a wing traveller machine to provide the full six lane width of the approach road.

The MSS has moved to its second casting position ready for work to begin on the next span, which will be cast in March.

View Trinity in action by clicking here.
%$Linker: 2 External <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-16"?><dictionary /> 0 0 0 oLinkExternal www.merseygateway.co.uk/live-view Visit www.merseygateway.co.uk/live-view false http://www.merseygateway.co.uk/live-view false false%>

Road Structures

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Lombardini powers up the 8kW KD15-440
    February 15, 2013
    The Kohler/Lombardini group will use Bauma to update its range of air-cooled single cylinder diesel engines, unveiling the new 8kW KD15-440 engine which the manufacturer says will strengthen and improve the current 15LD series - elevating it to the top of the class within its power range. The KD15-440 is an air-cooled single cylinder diesel engine with a displacement of 441cc and an air filter that can offer, Lombardini claims, an operating life five times greater than the current version via its new high-e
    Read More
  • Matest Asphalt Splitter will make life easier for lab technicians
    January 6, 2017
    Materials testing firm Matest has launched an asphalt splitter at bauma. The machine breaks up asphalt specimens so that the constituent parts can be tested, a task that is often carried out by hand. “The purpose of the machine is to make the operator’s life easier,” said area manager Massiono Martorini. The splitter should also lead to greater efficiency, as breaking specimens down will take less time, and allow laboratory technicians to do other things. Matest expects to sell the splitter to laboratories
    Read More
  • Matest Asphalt Splitter will make life easier for lab technicians
    April 19, 2013
    Materials testing firm Matest has launched an asphalt splitter at bauma. The machine breaks up asphalt specimens so that the constituent parts can be tested, a task that is often carried out by hand. “The purpose of the machine is to make the operator’s life easier,” said area manager Massiono Martorini. The splitter should also lead to greater efficiency, as breaking specimens down will take less time, and allow laboratory technicians to do other things. Matest expects to sell the splitter to laboratories
    Read More
  • Goldhofer rescues O&K RH 120-E from Calenturitas de Prodeco Mine
    November 1, 2016
    It was reportedly a logistical challenge to collect a massive front shovel excavator from the open pit coal mine Calenturitas de Prodeco in north-eastern Colombia. The twin engines of the 290-tonne O&K RH 120-E mining excavator had given up the ghost and could not be repaired on site, leaving the monster stranded atop a high mound of earth. So the mining company contracted heavy haulage specialist Boom Logistics to collect the excavator and transport it to the repair shop 22km away. http://www.goldho
    Read More

Highlighted Content