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

  • Cummins launches SCR only Stage IV/Tier 4 engines
    April 16, 2013
    Cummins used bauma to reveal the QSF3.8 – a four-cylinder engine platform delivering a power range of 63-89kW – which is ready to meet Stage IV/Tier 4 Final emissions regulations. Using only SCR for its exhaust after-treatment process, the QSF3.8 avoids the need for either DOC or DPF as a result of using a high-efficiency catalyst to convert oxides of nitrogen at lower exhaust temperatures while requiring only low doses of DEF, said the company.
    Read More
  • IRF publishes ITS manifesto
    February 22, 2013
    Ministerial launch marks IRF’s long-term commitment to ITS deployment and the creation of conducive policy environments for the adoption of smart technology While sustainable mobility is recognised as one of the keys to social and economic development, our roads are becoming increasingly congested, road transport has negative environmental impacts and more and more cars need to be accommodated. For IRF, a pivotal response to this dilemma lies in the increased deployment of intelligent transport systems (IT
    Read More
  • BHS-Sonthofen rotor impact mills for sand processing
    February 26, 2013
    BHS-Sonthofen’s rotor impact mills, which produce crushed sand with special characteristics, will be showcased. The processed grains are cubical, but their edges are rounded, and the company says that dry mortar produced with this type of sand is easier to use and makes concrete easier to pump.
    Read More
  • Rapid International unveils new-look corporate logo
    January 6, 2017
    Rapid International is officially uneviling its new look corporate branding at bauma. An important step forward, the company says the new logo refines and modernises the existing logo mark, and reflects both the history and the future of the company at a symbolic time for the organisation, as it welcomes the arrival of the next generation. John Pickering, son of Rapid's late founding partner Mr Bertie Pickering, joined the company recently as export sales manager.
    Read More

Highlighted Content