The Grade II listed Seacombe Ferry Terminal has been providing safe passage across the River Mersey as far back as 1515.
Part of the world-famous Mersey Ferry service, the existing 130-year-old linkspan bridges had reached the end of their operational life and needed to be replaced to ensure the long-term viability of this important cultural asset.
Specialist steel fabricator Adey Steel was appointed by the main contractor to utilise modern methods of construction (MMC) to design, fabricate and surface finish two new 50-metre-long span bridges prior to being assembled and then lifted into position.
A dedicated team from Adey Steel fabricated two identical truss bridges – one for passengers and one for vehicles - to help update the dated safety features and deteriorating finishes. The paint finish was completed by our specialist partner, Jack Tighe Group, as the marine environment demands a high specification against saline corruption.
The truss bridges were split into eight sections to allow for transport and restricted access – with sections fabricated at multiple workshops across the five-acre Adey Steel site in Loughborough. The splice connections were checked with laser surveying equipment to ensure exact fit. Off-site pre-assembly took place to ensure exact fit-up and minimise the potential for disruption.
The installation of the north and south linkspan bridges took place over four days and involved being brought up river using a barge before being fitted into place using a specialist Lara 1 Crane Ship.
Adey Steel is no stranger to manufacturing large bridge structures in the UK. It recently completed the manufacture and supply of a new triple span footbridge at Meiklemill Bridge as well as two feature link bridges as part of the Embassy Gardens development in Central London.
If you would like to discuss a future project with our team, please call Adey Steel on 01509 556677 or email [email protected].
