Vital footbridge installed over A45

Forming part of the M42 Junction 6 improvement scheme in the West Midlands, a £282M five-year project being delivered for National Highways, a new footbridge has been successfully lifted into place over the A45.

Fabricated by Skanska Cementation Fabrications at its Doncaster workshop, the 62m-long single span footbridge with associated stairs and ramps, required more than 350t of steel.

“It’s been a really collaborative process, during which we have worked closely with our Skanska colleagues, National Highways and our supply chain in building this new bridge,” said Skanska Cementation Fabrications Business Director Jamie Dunbar.

“The team were able to bring their extensive experience and deep technical excellence through all stages of the project. This includes our in-house design team who worked with the bridge design team to optimise the design solution whilst ensuring that carbon reduction remained a key target.

“The lifting capability within our workshops meant we could manufacture it offsite and then install onsite, which also improved quality and safety outcomes. The team has done a fantastic job and delivered a high-quality bridge, that has been installed safely and will I’m sure be enjoyed by local people for many years to come.”

The delivery and installation process took four weeks, culminating in the use of a 750t-capacity crane to lift the single span main assembly to its position over the carriageway during a two-day closure of the A45.

The footbridge is now a key feature of the scheme. It will improve connectivity for non-motorised users by facilitating access for people living in Hampton in Arden, Catherine de Barnes and Bickenhill onto the northern footway that runs along the A45 – the gateway to Birmingham Airport, The NEC, and Resorts World.