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

  • SIMEM soaring with EAGLE portable plant range
    April 8, 2013
    SIMEM will be showcasing its EAGLE range of portable plants at bauma 2013 – said to offer top performance at lower cost without compromising the firm’s emphasis on quality. Modular elements with pre-installed pneumatic-electric systems are the key to the EAGLE plants swift portability from one project to the other, preserving its capital value. The state-of-the-art supermobile MMX range of plants from SIMEM, said to be the best solution available for faster moving job-sites such as railways and highways, wi
    Read More
  • Hamburg wheel tracker leads three new testing machines from Gilson
    January 6, 2017
    Three key highlights gracing the new materials testing machines on display at Conexpo 2014 from Gilson Company are: its Hamburg Immersion Wheel Tracker, a Superpave Gyratory Compactor and a new version of the company’s Rotary Sifters. The Hamburg Wheel Tracker comes with stainless steel wheels (although rubber wheels are available as an option) and the machine has been put together to allow two specimens to be tested independently in a recirculating water bath. Control testing temperatures range between 20
    Read More
  • Galliford Try aims to downsize its construction business
    April 25, 2019
    UK construction and infrastructure business Galliford Try is reviewing its construction business with a view to downsizing. “The review will reduce the size of the construction business, focusing on its key strengths in markets and sectors with sustainable prospects for profitability and growth, where we have a track record of success,” the company said in a written statement. “The board anticipates that this review will result in reduced profitability in the current year reflecting a reassessment of
    Read More
  • Powerscreen to reveal new machine enhancements
    February 12, 2013
    Powerscreen is unveiling new product improvements in a line-up of three machines: the XA400S pre-screen jaw crusher; the XH320X impact crusher and the Warrior 1400X screen. “We are excited to be revealing the latest enhancements made to our product portfolio at bauma. This year’s exhibition will be the first showing of the new Warrior 1400X screen anywhere in the world and will provide visitors with an opportunity to look closer at the recently released XA400S pre-screen and XH320X crushers,” says Damian Po
    Read More

Highlighted Content