Bowstring arch brings relief

Work underway on fabrication of one of the three bridge sections

Fairfield Mabey has completed off-site fabrication of 1,100t of steelwork for a new 140m span bowstring arch bridge on the Porth and Lower Rhondda Fach Relief Road in South Wales.

Construction of the new landmark structure began in December and is to be completed this summer. The bridge will cross two rivers, the existing A4233 town centre arterial road and the Treherbert railway. Steelwork erection will be carried out in three sections, two approach ramps and a centre span, with steelwork currently being erected for the first of the approach ramps.

The bridge, in Porth town centre, is one of 11 bridges that will be constructed as part of the relief road which is expected to be fully open by December 2006.

Fairfield-Mabey is working closely with main contractor Costain as well as consultants Arup and Glamorgan Engineering Consultancy to ensure that the bridge is constructed with minimum disruption to local residents.

The 7.2km relief road is being constructed for client Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council to improve the road network, reduce traffic congestion and regenerate the area.