Collett delivers on bridge project

One of the two main bridge sections on a three axle extendable rear steer trailer behind a three axle MAN TGX tractor with Collett’s own escort vehicle behind. Photo: Collett Transport

Heavy transport specialist Collett Transport delivered a pair of large bridge sections to complete construction of the new Tan House footbridge in England.

Collett delivered the 4 metre wide by 26 and 27 metre long sections for SH Structures. Starting at the SH premises in Sherburn-in-Elmet, North Yorkshire, the two bridge pieces were loaded onto a pair of 3-axle triple extendable rear steer trailers. From there they were transported around 40 km to the Jack Tighes industrial coating facility in Doncaster. Collett used its own pilot escort vehicles for the wide loads.

For the onward journey to Wokingham, Berkshire, about 300 km south, Collett’s route survey identified traffic lights and road signs to be removed for a clear passage. In addition, a challenging route through the town centre meant this part of the journey had to be done in daylight. Working with construction contractor Balfour Beatty and Wokingham Borough Council Collett secured a controlled road closure.

Other pieces of the bridge delivered included support columns and steps. These also had to be delivered at the correct time to fit the schedule.

Detailed plans

Commenting on the project Andrew Kind, SH Structures sales and estimating manager, said, “Collett & Son worked closely with SH Structures as part of their supply chain to plan the delivery of the two parts of the bridge from our factory to the painters, plus to site.

“Their meticulous eye for detail started at the swept path analysis, movement orders and the co-ordination with our client and Network Rail.

“The deliveries arrived to site on time to enable the lifting of the structure onto the rail mounted bogies to work within the time constraints of the rail possession.”