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North East Lincolnshire sees innovative scaffolding solutions for essential maintenance work.
Maintenance work is in full swing on the A180 Gilbey Road Bridge in North East Lincolnshire, with proactive repairs aiming to prevent future closures and extensive repair needs.
The project, focused on refurbishing steel beams and replacing bridge bearings, is critical to ensuring the structure can continue to handle the load of heavy traffic for years to come.
Worksop-based IE Access was appointed to deliver a full temporary access solution beneath the bridge to enable these essential repairs. The scaffolding contractor opted for the PERI UP Flex system, a modular scaffolding solution praised for its adaptability and efficiency.
Innovative Solutions for Complex Challenges
Spanning five sections of the bridge, the project presented several logistical challenges, including a river, a public walkway, and a complex site layout with structures running in different directions.
Careful pre-planning and close collaboration between VSL’s temporary works team, IE Access, and PERI’s project team ensured an efficient scaffolding solution that integrated seamlessly with the site’s requirements.
Speed and safety were key priorities. By using the PERI UP Flex system, IE Access was able to create a tailored scaffolding solution that simplified alignment with the river’s course. The system’s modular design allowed scaffolders to step the scaffolding in and out with ease, using fewer components to reduce installation time and material handling.
Public Safety a Priority
Public access under the bridge was maintained throughout the project, with a pedestrian tunnel constructed using the PERI UP system. This provided a safe route for pedestrians while shielding them from overhead repair work.
The modular scaffolding’s wide bay sizes and minimal components significantly reduced safety risks associated with traditional scaffolding, such as falling fixings and smaller parts during installation. These features also accelerated the build, as fewer components meant less time spent on fastening and handling operations.
Flexible Adjustments Mid-Project
Even after the scaffolding was in place, the PERI UP system demonstrated versatility. IE Access adapted the structure to meet revised leg load requirements on the pavement without dismantling or delaying the project, showcasing the system’s modular flexibility.
Charlie Wheeler, Managing Director of IE Access, praised the PERI UP system for its practicality. “Minimal standard components from the PERI UP range made work easier for our scaffolders. We didn’t have to manage numerous small parts and fittings or worry about safety while working above the public walkway. It also minimised material handling during construction,” he said.
A Collaborative Success
The A180 Gilbey Road Bridge maintenance project highlights the importance of innovative scaffolding solutions in tackling complex infrastructure challenges.
By using the PERI UP Flex system and fostering close collaboration between teams, the project is progressing efficiently, safeguarding the bridge’s long-term integrity while prioritising public safety and access.
This project is a testament to the power of modern scaffolding systems in delivering safe, adaptable, and efficient solutions for critical infrastructure repairs.
