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Ainscough Crane Hire recently worked with its client Galliford Try Infrastructure on behalf of National Highways to deliver a key element of the upgrade of the A47 in Norfolk.
The North Tuddenham to Easton section of the A47 connects key economic growth areas of Norfolk. The existing road was unable to cope with the high traffic volume with limited opportunities to overtake slower moving vehicles on this single carriageway.
To address these issues, National Highways is upgrading the A47 between North Tuddenham and Easton in Norfolk to a dual carriageway. This will complete the dual carriageway between Norwich and Dereham, supporting economic growth and easing congestion in the area.
Ainscough was invited to an initial kick-off meeting at the Galliford Try site compound in September 2024.
The leading lifting firm’s Heavy Cranes division was tasked with installing 20 precast concrete “W1” bridge beams, each 16.4m in length, across two overpass structures: S07 and S03. S07 entailed 11 beams, each weighing 26.2 tonnes while S03 consisted of nine beams, each weighing 28.9 tonnes.
The S07 structure was completed using Ainscough’s LTM1300-6.2 on 26th February. The scope was to lift 11 beams from transport onto structure abutments at grade with the crane. This was planned as a two-shift operation, and the team successfully installed seven beams in under two hours on the second day.
S03 was also scheduled for two days and completed with the LTM1500-8.1, lifting nine beams onto elevated abutments from a crane pad offset from the structure.
Stuart Patterson, Ainscough Heavy Cranes Technical Manager, provided the technical design drawings for the beams, structures, and site layout. From this, he determined the crane requirements, lifting tackle, and other logistical needs.
This included Galliford Try’s request that Ainscough use a load orientating device to ensure hands-free lifting, in line with the industry’s Hands-Off, Step Away, Safe Space (HOSASS) initiative. After researching options, Stuart elected to use the Vita Load Navigator, which met all the necessary criteria.
The Vita Load Navigator, developed by Vita Inclinata Technologies, is an advanced remote-controlled load management system that revolutionises the stabilisation and positioning of suspended loads during crane operations.
The system supports the HOSASS initiative by keeping ground crews clear of suspended loads, reducing risk and aligning with best-practice safety standards.
Ahead of work on S07, Ainscough were informed that operatives required specialist training to use the VLN. The Cambridge depot team coordinated with the VLN owners, Wolff OnSite, to arrange training on the Friday afternoon before the hire for the slinger and supervisor of S07.
S03 faced wind delays on day one, and operations were paused until 15:15, after which the first two beams were installed. The first beam featured Paraslim edge protection on one side, which disrupted the lifting methodology – Ainscough initially believed the lifting points had been adjusted during manufacturing to account for the added weight.
Stuart Patterson was on-site to manage this variation, and after two trial lifts, the beam was successfully installed. The rest of the operation proceeded without issue.
Operations for S07 were undertaken by Crane Operators Ben Willis and Les Bailey from Ainscough’s West London Depot, with support from Supervisor John Simmons and Slinger Dan Cousins, both of the Cambridge depot.
S07 was delivered by Crane Operators Dave Urmson and Harry Wilson and Supervisor Andy Surridge, all from Ainscough’s Heavy Cranes division. John Simmons acted as Slinger.
Stuart Patterson said: “Both lifting teams deserve credit for their professionalism and commitment to safety. Many of the people I’ve spoken to on the tools were initially sceptical about using the VLN and such devices, viewing them as ‘reinventing the wheel’, but the teams embraced the challenge and quickly adapted.
“It was a real privilege to deploy our expertise on what is a vital project for transport infrastructure in Norfolk.”
Pete Wallis, Lifting Operations Manager at Galliford Try Infrastructure said: “It’s been great to support two major lifting milestones on this scheme, which involved meticulous planning and coordination. Collaborating with the Ainscough team on site made the task an easy one; with everyone working together to install the beams safely, accurately, and without any time delays.”
Ainscough will also be supplying the A47 upgrade between Blofield and North Burlingham with solid lifting solutions, with work planned to go ahead in mid-April and early July
