24.07.07
Works underway on Monkwearmouth Bridge
Restrengthening and refurbishment works are underway on Monkwearmouth railway bridge in Sunderland.
Network Rail has appointed Amalgamated Construction Co. Ltd (AMCO) as the main contractor on the project and Pyeroy Group has been sub-contracted to undertake blast cleaning and painting works.
AMCO is strengthening the existing wrought iron and steel structure with the installation of a series of 45 additional intermediate cross girders. Minor steelwork repairs are also being carried out. Pyeroy’s contract involves the full blast cleaning and repainting of the complete metallic superstructure of the bridge.
When built in 1879, Monkwearmouth railway bridge was the largest hog-back iron girder bridge in the world with a single span of 300 ft (91.4 metres) across the river Wear. The Grade 2 listed structure comprises two wrought iron half parabolic vierendeel trusses, and includes wrought iron cross girders and steel trough girders. Stone faced abutments with concrete and masonry core support the superstructure.
As well as carrying conventional rail traffic between Newcastle and Middlesbrough, the line is electrified with a 1500 DC overhead system for the local Tyne and Wear Metro public transport system.
AMCO (Amalgamated Construction Co. Ltd) provides a multi-disciplinary capability in civil engineering and maintenance to the rail, power generation, structures, ports and harbours, materials handling and tunnel maintenance markets. The Pyeroy Group operates a range of construction services including specialist asbestos removal and scaffolding divisions. The company’s industrial division provides a full range of maintenance and refurbishment services for structural steelwork, bridges, cranes jetties and other offshore structures.
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