750 tonne crane achieves 'significant milestone' at Thorpe Park Leeds development

The arrival of a giant 750 tonne crane has marked the start of work to install the main bridge beams for the new road over the railway line at Thorpe Park Leeds.

Joint venture partners, Scarborough International Properties and Legal & General Capital, are delivering the Thorpe Park Leeds regeneration scheme.

The bridge forms part of the infrastructure works currently underway at the 275-acre mixed use development.

This announcement also marks the start of the new Manston Lane Link Road, which will connect north and east Leeds to Junction 46 of the M1. This road, running through Thorpe Park Leeds, will unlock land for the construction of up to 7,000 new homes in the East Leeds area.

The rail, aviation and environment business unit of construction company Galliford Try is delivering the £4.7m contract to build the single 30m clear span bridge over the Leeds to York railway line.

The design is future proofed to account for expansion of the line from two to four-track and electrification. The bridge over the railway line will accommodate a dual carriageway in both directions as well as footway, cycleway, bridleway and a central reserve.

Galliford Try has completed the sub structures and the next phase is now underway to install nine 30m long beams.

The 750 tonne crawler crane was installed on site in order to lift the 150 tonne bridge beams at 42m working radius. A 200 tonne mobile crane was also needed to build the larger crane. In total, it took six days to build the crane which was delivered to site on forty HGV delivery wagons.

Wes McKee, Galliford Try rail director, said: “Construction is progressing well and getting the beams in place will represent a major milestone in the programme. We are delighted to be playing a key role in such a strategically important scheme that will bring long-term benefits to the region.”

The Manston Lane Link Road (MLLR) is a part of the £162m, phase two development programme at Thorpe Park Leeds.

Simon Marshall, joint CEO at Scarborough International Properties, commented: “The bridge installation marks a very significant milestone in progress for phase two at Thorpe Park Leeds.

“The scheme is integral to the economic growth potential of East Leeds and this part of the jigsaw not only provides greater access to the wonderful facilities on offer at Thorpe Park Leeds, but also greatly improves connectivity from Leeds city centre, through East Leeds and beyond.”

Rachel Dickie, head of urban regeneration at Legal & General Capital, added: “This milestone marks important progress for the regeneration of this area, boosting economic growth and bringing new homes and jobs to East Leeds.

“By working closely with Leeds City Council we are delivering regionally significant infrastructure works which will improve transport connection and unlock the regeneration of East Leeds. This is a prime example of how a joined up and collaborative approach with local authorities can truly unlock regeneration to the best of its potential.”