FP MCCANN’S FLEXIARCH SYSTEM USED IN RAILWAY CROSSING AT PLEASINGTON GOLF COURSE

Project: Pleasington FlexiArch Railway Crossing, Black, Lancashire

Client: Network Rail

Main Contractor: Storey Contracting Limited

Products Supplied: FlexiArch System with a pan of 11m; spandrel walls; parapets; approachment ramps and containment barriers

FP McCann’s Toomebridge Depot’s FlexiArch system used to replace a risk level crossing in Blackburn, Lancashire.

Ranked within Network Rail’s top ten high risk Health and Safety sites in the North of England due to high volumes of pedestrian traffic generated from the Pleasington Golf Course, Elimination of risk to traffic was a priority for the rail network.

The up and down line of the Bamber Bridge junction to Blackburn railway forms a divide through the middle of the golf course, and players are constantly crossing the line to get from one side of the course to the other.

The project proved to be a fantastic example of the collaborative working relationship between Network rail and Main Contractor, Story Contracting Limited. The completed bridge provides an aesthetically pleasing and highly environmentally suited example of the wide range of practical applications for FlexiArch, for which the firm picked up a UK Rail Industry Award – Outstanding Project.

The overbridge construction commenced with the modular abutment segments being installed. Reinforced earth retaining walls were then constructed to support the bridge abutment and the main span.

Precast units were then craned into position during the rail possessions using a 200T mobile crane. When completed, the FlexiArch units formed a segemental arch profile with a span of 11m and a rise of approximately 1.4m. The main bridge arch structure, spandrel walls and parapets were completed within two 7-hour possessions. Concrete approach ramps and containment barriers were then installed before the application of a non-slip surfacing.

The conclusion from this first Network Rail application of FlexiArch was that the system should be strongly considered for other projects. The combination of cost effectiveness, minimal disruption and aesthetic beauty make it a strong contender. The works were substantially completed by September 2014 at a final approved total cost of £1.16m.

For further information on FP McCann’s Precast Bridge Solutions, contact the team at TOOMEBRIDGE 028 7965 0471 or email sales@fpmccann.co.uk