Boothferry Swing Bridge

Description:

BriggsAmasco’s mastic asphalt experience and expertise were essential to the high-quality reinstatement of pedestrian pathways on a near-century-old river crossing.

The project was carried out at Boothferry Swing Bridge in Goole, Yorkshire. Opened in 1929, the 230m-long steel girder bridge crosses the River Ouse. BriggsAmasco was selected by contractor Route One Infrastructure to carry out a high-grade refurbishment of the bridge’s north and southbound footpaths, which required resurfacing due to the original, 20-year-old mastic asphalt finish becoming cracked and blistered. The repair work, on behalf of client East Riding of Yorkshire Council, was required as a matter of some urgency due to the damaged footpaths becoming a trip hazard for pedestrians.

Initial refurbishment work for BriggsAmasco teams involved removing the footpaths’ original surface. The new mastic asphalt’s installation needed to fit with bridge deck specification, complete with 6mm precoated chippings rolled onto the surface. The value of the project totalled £125k.

Due to the narrow nature of the bridge, the works had to be carried out in two phases to allow for the implementation of appropriate road closures and minimise disruption. This also meant the hot charge vehicle could only be positioned at one end of the bridge, meaning BriggsAmasco operatives were required to install the asphalt using wheelbarrows, starting from the furthest point away from the tanker.

There was also the added challenge of rolling the pre-coated chippings at the correct time to ensure the bond into the surface was sufficient. Despite such issues, the skills and experience acquired by BriggsAmasco teams during a wide range of mastic asphalt projects ensured the Boothferry Swing Bridge pedestrian footpaths were completed to the highest-possible standard in line with the client’s required timeframe.