Walthamstow Queens Rd Footbridge
Project Overview
The 60m footbridge was constructed on a steep embankment between Queens Rd Station and the Exeter Rd. Due to the difference in level between the existing station and the Exeter Rd, the bridge had to span over a large area of the embankment to meet step free access requirements.
A large vegetation clearance took place along the embankment. Following this 31 screw piles along with frames were installed using a large excavator. This Long reach excavator was positioned at street level reaching down the embankment installing the piles.
Due to the large size of the bridge the decks were transported to site in nine sections. They were lifted onto the pile frames using a 55 ton Liebherr crane also positioned on Exeter Rd. The sections were then aligned and bolted together on site.
The road way and existing network rail assets were adopted and updated to incorporate the new bridge. New services were installed to make the bridge operational eg Lighting, CCTV, oyster readers etc.
Scope of Works
The footbridge was installed to create a direct step free pedestrian access to Queens Rd station from the Exeter Rd side. This also created a direct pedestrian link from the Queens Rd station to Walthamstow central.
Innovations
The site compound area was positioned between two large apartment blocks adjoining the perimeter of the site. Cleshar management had to liase directly with Waltham Forest Council and the local residents, to agree and implement and plan of works that would least disrupt the local residents during the construction phase. During the entire project Cleshar received no complaints from the local authority or neighbouring residents.
Because the surrounding area is built up and mainly residential, deliveries of the piling and the bridge plant and equipment had to be planned with Waltham Forest Council and several road closures and suspensions had to be booked and managed to successfully deliver all large project items.
As the works could only take part during daytime hours due to local residents, Cleshar had to successfully liase with Network Rail and LOROL to undertake all the works including the piling and lifting of the bridge whilst the line was kept fully operational. Cleshar Management worked closely with Network Rail and LOROL management to ensure all Health and Safety requirements were adhered to, whether it be the production of lifts plans and SSOWs whilst ensuring the station staff and users were kept safe throughout the works.
Benefits / Project Outcome
There were numerous different stakeholders involved in this project eg Net work Rail, LOROL, Walthamstow Forest Councils various departments and adjoining local residents. Cleshar had to design and construct a bridge that meet all the various stakeholder needs and requirements. From meticulous planning from an early project stage stakeholder requirements were not only met but exceeded.
The site compound area was positioned between two large apartment blocks adjoining the perimeter of the site. Cleshar management had to liase directly with Waltham Forest Council and the local residents, to agree and implement and plan of works that would least disrupt the local residents during the construction phase. During the entire project Cleshar received no complaints from the local authority or neighbouring residents.
Because the surrounding area is built up and mainly residential, deliveries of the piling and the bridge plant and equipment had to be planned with Waltham Forest Council and several road closures and suspensions had to be booked and managed to successfully deliver all large project items.
As the works could only take part during daytime hours due to local residents, Cleshar had to successfully liase with Network Rail and LOROL to undertake all the works including the piling and lifting of the bridge whilst the line was kept fully operational. Cleshar Management worked closely with Network Rail and LOROL management to ensure all Health and Safety requirements were adhered to, whether it be the production of lifts plans and SSOWs whilst ensuring the station staff and users were kept safe throughout the works.