Back
Ainscough Crane Hire recently lifted into place a new footbridge that will provide an enhanced cycling and pedestrian experience for the people of Leicester.
Construction firm Danaher & Walsh (D&W) was appointed by Leicester City Council to construct the new footbridge via the Maintenance of Highway Structures term contract.
The project is one of three separate schemes D&W is carrying out for Leicester City Council on Abbey Park Road, which together make up a major revamp of the busy route.
Once in place, the new footbridge will run parallel to the existing Grade-II listed Abbey Corner Bridge, taking cyclists off the narrow road bridge and helping to ensure that there is enough space for all road users to use the busy route safely and efficiently.
Ainscough Crane Hire’s Heavy Cranes team was appointed by Nusteel Structures to lift the steel superstructure into place.
On Saturday 9th April, Ainscough undertook the lift – using a LG1550 crane and a 100t rigging crane.
Ainscough’s lift plan was drafted by contract lift manager Patrick Denby. The project team also included Rob Perrins, Dave Larmour, Dave Hodgson, and Darren Jackson.
Patrick Denby, Heavy Cranes contract lift manager for Ainscough Crane Hire, said: “This was a job several years in the making due to the logistical challenges – such as extensive road closures – that had to be considered. However, thanks to careful planning and close collaboration with our partners at Nusteel, the lift was completed in a safe and efficient manner, helping this important project reach its next stage.”
Now the bridge is safely in position, work has shifted to essential maintenance of the existing road bridge – which dates back to 1878. Detailed surveys have found evidence of corrosion in the cast-iron structure and other issues which require extensive repairs to ensure that the bridge can continue to be used safely by heavy traffic.
The bridge repairs have been programmed to take place during an ambitious programme of improvement work on Abbey Park Road. This will reduce the need for additional highway works on this busy route in the near future.
The £7.5million revamp of Abbey Park Road – which will also see new bus lanes introduced and footpaths improved to create a safer and more attractive route for pedestrians and cyclists – is supported by the Transforming Cities Fund as part of an ambitious programme of investment in sustainable transport across the city.
Take a further look at the project images here:
