Bridge repair project begins

A bridge in Manchester city centre is to be repaired by Network Rail. The bridge carries the through rail lines betwee
Piccadilly and Oxford Road stations over London Road.

Concrete was applied 50 years ago to extend the life of the bridge, but now further repairs are necessary. The work will involve removing the existing concrete and applying fresh concrete.

Smaller defects and brickwork in the supporting walls will also be patch-repaired and the safety handrail across the parapets of the bridge will be rubbed down, treated and repainted.

Ray Chan, Network Rail’s scheme project manager explained what the problem is, saying: “The bridge was built using a number of cast iron ribs, which were encased in concrete approximately 100 years later.

“However, water has got into the concrete exposing some of the ribs and there is evidence of water staining and general deterioration.

“We are taking the opportunity to carry out repairs now before it becomes a major issue for both trains and road vehicles.”

Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times and work is due to be completed by the end of March.