Video footage from National Highways shows the moment a 25-tonne gantry was lowered from the Prince of Wales bridge to the sea below.
Over the course of a weekend, highly trained staff from National Highways, Amey and Denholm Industrial worked to lower the 34-metre-wide gantry 40-metres onto a barge.
With some staff attached to the bridge above as it was lowered, this highly technical and skilled work shows what goes into keeping the M4 Prince of Wales bridge operational in a harsh environment.
Mark Maynard, National Highways Engineering and Construction manager for the Prince of Wales Bridge, said: “Many of the motorways and major A-roads we manage were built around 60 years ago and ensuring they remain fit for purpose is an ongoing and constant job, with safety our number one priority.
“The Prince of Wales bridge spans an area harsh elements and extremes, and a lot of work to maintain it goes unseen. This gantry was a key tool in keeping the bridge operational and replacing it took months of planning.”
“We’re delighted to see it removed in such a professional way and thank everyone who has worked on the project so far.”
This is the first gantry National Highways has removed from the bridge since it was constructed, but the life of bridge gantries is typically 20 to 35 years.
It needed to be replaced because it had come to the end of its serviceable life and repairs would not be cost effective, having provided many years of service with inspections and maintenance.
The gantry was lowered in two sections to a barge waiting below, the opposite of how it was installed back in 1996, and shipped off for recycling.
Denholm Industrial Services Regional Manager Kyle Davidson said: “Despite a challenging scope with complex design and environmental constraints, the team collaborated effectively to overcome the challenges and deliver a successful outcome.
“We are proud to continue this partnership on the SBIM contract, working closely with our partners National Highways and Amey.”
Design work is ongoing for a replacement, with the intention that this will be installed this financial year.
For more information on the Severn Bridges, visit https://nationalhighways.co.uk/travel-updates/the-severn-bridges/
