Story Contracting replaced a key bridge linking Pollokshields and Kinning Park, maintaining pedestrian access via a temporary footbridge while managing complex utility diversions, major excavations, and two disruptive possessions.
The bridge structure is located between Pollokshields in the south and Kinning Park in the north. The structure provides a crucial artery to the city, connecting many communities in the south side of Glasgow to the city centre. In January of 2024, the west footpath over the existing structure was closed and the new temporary footbridge was opened to the public. To complete all utility diversions whilst still allowing pedestrians crossing the bridge. Once the temporary footbridge had opened successfully, the attention of the site team turned to preparing the second phase of temporary works.
Over a period of 2 weeks of nightshifts, excavations went underway to facilitate the installation of the temporary abutment bases. These excavations resulted in the removal of 360 tonnes of soil to meet design requirements. Over the first 54-hour disruptive possession in April, the existing structure was demolished. New concrete abutments were cast during dayshifts. The new bridge sections got installed over a further 54-hour disruptive possession in the summer. The final stages of the project involved carrying out roadworks and tying in the structure to the surrounding infrastructure. This included rediversions of all permenant services and the removal of the temporary footbridge.
360m3
of concrete used for piling works
41
pre-cast concrete elements intalled
The scope of the Engineering works included but were not limited to:
• Site establishment and setup
• Installation of Temporary Footbridge
• Removal of vegetation around structure
• Masonry repairs
• Installation of Temporary Works
• Service diversions
• Demolition works
• Piling
• Precast installation
• Roadworks
During the design & delivery stages of our project, we identified and implemented the following value engineering and efficiency ideas.
• The use of Leca Fill for infilling of abutments as opposed to the originally proposed foam concrete. The cost benefit was £110,000
It is a lightweight granular fill that, when compressed, has sufficient strength to support the piling slabs at deck level and transported to site using less wagons reducing C02 emissions.
Our team worked closely with the local communities, providing charity work and donation efforts. The temporary footbridge installation used significant amounts of timber for ramp and hoarding construction. Rather than disposing of the timber after its use, we donated the materials to a local community garden charity. The team at Shields Road also donated timber sleepers to the National Autistic Society so that they could refurbish their outdoor sensory areas.
Network Rail
The project involved regrading approximately 280 metres of the embankment to enhance structural stability and improve rail safety.