A new £19.6 million bridge that connects the counties of Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire has opened, with full service expected to launch later today (6 July). The Zouch bridge project saw the building of a new 83m crossing to replace its deteriorating, 90-year old predecessor, says MegaProject.
Commencing two years ago, Eric Wright Civil Engineering served as the specialist contractor for the project, which required a unique approach due to the presence of overhead high-voltage cables. The new bridge could not therefore be constructed using cranes, so steel beams were shunted 36m across the River Soar using a specialist jacking system.
Eric Wright Civil Engineering’s role also included building piers and foundations entailing watertight cofferdams to build the bridge piers in the River Soar. The firm is also responsible for the demolition of the older structure. The old 80-m concrete and steel bridge will be dismantled and safely demolished in sections. After demolition, the old approach roads in Zouch village will be dug up and removed.
New approach roads were also created as part of the scheme and nearly 500m of new road surface laid.
The full A6006 route between the A6 in Leicestershire and the A60 in Nottinghamshire will reopen once Network Rail completes its work at nearby Kirk Hill Bridge, which is expected later in July. Network Rail is raising and rebuilding the Kirk Hill Bridge in Sutton Bonington to clear space for taller freight trains and future railway electrification.
(Picture: Mapillary)
