Delayed reopening - an explanation

 Delayed opening - why

The programme was already very tight, the bridge itself was a week late going to the painting sub contractors, it therefore missed it's slot, meaning it was further delayed by the time it left for Shrewsbury.

To gain back time Beaver Bridges worked overtime including weekends to complete the works in Shrewsbury.

The bridge was delivered to Broom Lane later than originally planned but still in time to meet our reopening target (in theory).

The Cill Beams and Bridge Deck - the big heavy items and dependant on crane etc, took place near enough as expected.

Drainage

The drainage behind the Bridge abutment walls/behind the Cill Beams, needed designing/approving, which took place after the bridge lift.

We faced a decision here:

Do we backfill and try to meet the reopening time and dig up to install drainage at another time

or

Do we install the drainage, backfill with correct grade stone and potentially miss the opening target.

I believe we made the right decision to only do this work once, which meant waiting, installing drainage and backfilling, ensuring it was compacted as specified.

The reason this is so important is, it's right on the transition from embankment to bridge deck and if it is incorrect, it would cause the pway all sort of issues.  It's better to do it now, whilst we have plant and the excavation.

I didn't make the decision alone, it taken in conjunction with the Project Team, wider Railway management and our Contractor.

Non drainage

Since the bridge deck installation, the remedial works have taken a little longer than previously thought, we could've rushed the brickwork, but it would look awful.

Whilst the backfilling was taking place we couldn't arrange for the pway contractor to mobilise as we just couldn't be certain when we could give them access.

It's a juggling act to plan all of this in.

I do believe that taking more care now, will be better longer term for the Railway.

We have also encountered some technical queries relating to the final waterproofing, which have taken a few days of constant phone calls/emails/meetings to resolve.  This had added some delay.  

Conclusion

I hope that adds more context to why we haven't reopened yet?

Best wishes

Mark D.