Alfred’s Way Rail Bridge comprises two adjacent structures which carry the A13 trunk road with three lanes in both directions.  The first structure was built in the 1920s and comprises nine riveted steel girders with masonry jack arches spanning between the bottom flanges.  The adjacent structure comprises a steel-concrete composite bridge built in the 1970s to widen the A13.

The bridges span the Barking-Tilbury rail line and are supported on masonry and concrete abutments respectively, both with an intermediate pier.

We were appointed to undertake a General Inspection as part of the bridge’s regular inspection regime, as well as to complete the detailed design of the refurbishment works.

Planning of the works required coordination with Network Rail.  As part of the design work, a preliminary methodology and programme were developed to enable possession planning to be undertaken in advance of the contract being tendered.

We also carried out the duties of Principal Designer for the work.