The River Tame Crossing comprises a pair of identical half-through girder decks, each carrying two tracks, and was part of the major upgrade of the West Coast Main Line in 2007. The decks replaced an existing 100-year old bridge, and the lightweight nature of steel permitted the existing substructures to be re-used.

Investment in the latest robot welders helped the steelwork contractor to produce the girders more cost effectively, and faster than before, with the confidence that the finished product would be right first time. The robots were used to weld stiffeners on girders and are directly linked to the CAD 3D modelling system.

Structural Engineer

Scott Wilson

Steelwork Contractor

Mabey Bridge Ltd.

Main Contractor

Birse Rail

Client

Network Rail