River Anker Temporary Cable Support

The original scope was to provide a temporary works design for the rerouting of cables passing over LEC2/79 across the River Anker. This was to facilitate a re-waterproofing permanent works scheme on the bridge. The temporary works design was produced for a rail bridge (LEC2/79) between Tamworth and Polesworth that crosses the River Anker.

Mid-scheme the required construction sequence changed, as surveys established that cable slack was in some cases insufficient. There was a further change, specifying the requirement for GRP parts instead of steel where possible. GRP tubing was eventually selected to design-out risk of induced current.

The temporary works were designed to have minimal impact on the construction of the permanent works. The temporary cable diversion was required to remain in place during the running of active passenger and
freight trains, so had to have a minimal footprint along the bridge’s length to avoid fouling the gauge of passing trains.

In response to revised programme demands, the team responded to design changes in a flexible and responsive manner to suit the client’s requirements.

The design provided to the client had good constructability and was applicable to other bridges requiring similar works. FJD subsequently produced a very similar temporary works design at Viaduct Bridge 4
(NBS), crossing the River Trent. Where possible, specified parts were intentionally re-usable, keeping the cost of the works as well as the carbon footprint low. It was ensured that the bridge could be adequately
reinstated, with minimal parts being left in-situ.

The FJD team was committed to the project’s success, integrating the design with other project stakeholders. The responsiveness led to completion on time for the permanent works to take place.

Simplicity and risk reduction were key factors in providing a robust design applicable to more than just the LEC2/79 bridge. The constructability of the design resulted in reduced effort on site during possessions with tight timescales, minimised risk, as well as repeatable work resulting in smoother results on future projects.