Member Article

Heywood firm galvanises Runcorn Bridge overhaul

A firm from Heywood in Greater Manchester has played a key role in the renovation of one of the world’s longest steel arched bridges.

Pillar Wedge, part of Wedge Group Galvanizing, galvanized 100 tonnes of structural steel as part of a major upgrade to Runcorn’s Silver Jubilee Bridge.

The grade II Listed bridge, which runs over the River Mersey, connecting Runcorn to Widnes, sees 80,000 motorists a day pass over it, and is currently undergoing extensive maintenance and repair.

Pillar Wedge galvanized the steel, which has been used to replace 1km of walkway balustrade, which is vital to ensure the stability of the infrastructure as a major transport route in Halton, Cheshire.

The work was carried out for Morecambe-based T.P Aspinall & Sons Ltd, the contractors responsible for the overhaul of the structure.

Mark Waters, Commercial Manager at Pillar Wedge, said: “We are delighted to have partnered with Aspinalls on this project which has helped revive a bridge of such importance to the local area.

“It was essential we galvanized the steel as quickly and effectively as possible to ensure minimal disruption in a particularly time-sensitive project.”

Myk Whitehead, Project Manager at T.P Aspinall & Sons Ltd,said: “The galvanizing process ensures the longevity of the bridge for many years to come.

“It also means we do not need to undertake unscheduled repairs which would cause considerable disruption to a bridge which is one of the main transport links in the area

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .