Upon inspection it was identified that the structure was suffering from defects such as loose brickwork, open joints, parapet leaning/bulging, fractured pattress plates and other minor works areas typical of masonry.
Royal Border Bridge is a 28-arch, Grade I listed masonry bridge that sits across the River Tweed. Upon inspection it was identified that the structure was suffering from defects such as loose brickwork, open joints, parapet leaning/bulging, fractured pattress plates and other minor works areas typical of masonry. The project addressed the observed defects by undertaking general masonry repairs to the affected areas.
The last time the bridge had been repaired on this scale was 30 years ago, and as a listed structure, strict conversations with Heritage England and the conservation officers were held to ensure whilst extending the lifespan of the bridge, it also kept the original look.
250m
of vertical tie bars
installed throughout structure
225m
of horizontal tie bars
installed throughout structure
The project involved the following main phases:
• Installation of over 250m worth of Vertical Tie Bars throughout the structure where building was present.
• Installation of over 225m of Horizontal Tie Bars
• Mechanical preparation to over 280 existing steel pattress plates and 10 steel pier straps, removal of all existing rust back to bare steel and application of new corrosion protective system.
• Replacement of 7Nr cracked / damaged pattress plates.
• 50+ Spalled voussoir stonework throughout the structure, with large stones removed and replaced. Stone matched to existing stonework as per conservation officer and AECOM designer collaboration.
• Grout and resin injection to over 750 Lineal Meters using conservation offer approved matching colour epoxy resin and grout.
• Over 90m2 of re-casing works located throughout the structure in all spans, removal of existing failed ’ hollow’ brickwork and replacement with new engineer brick.
• Spot brick replaced spalled bricks where required through the structure.
• 250m2+ of repointing of failed brickwork.
• Installation of innovative roped access cradle and walkway system to access the repair locations on the ECM7/195 – Royal Border Bridge effectively and efficiently.
A £5m efficiency was made on the project through the utilisation of ”abseiling engineers” – engineers on ropes – to repair the iconic structure. Teams used an innovative rope access system to complete the repairs, rather than building scaffolding spanning the entire bridge, and this meant that the bridge remained fully operational on the vital route between England and Scotland.
Throughout the works at Royal Border Bridge, hybrid generators were used to improve our environmental footprint. The eco generators use battery charge to reduce carbon emissions, as well as reducing the cost of fuel on site.
Working in collaboration with Berwick Youth Project, the team also welcomed 7 young adults to the site to inspire the next generation, as well as teach them about the works that are being delivered in their local area.
Network Rail
VolkerRail/Story joint venture were tasked with the £80m project as part of a £137m investment that saw the undertaking of extensive enhancement works to remove several bottlenecks along the route to improve reliability, increase passenger services and aid in freight movements.