Published: 16/10/2024 10:13
Richter, in collaboration with Balfour Beatty, played a pivotal role in the successful delivery of the Marsh Lane Bearing Replacement Scheme, a critical infrastructure project in Leeds. The project, commissioned by Leeds City Council, aimed to replace 27 mechanical bridge bearings on the aging 1970s New York Road Flyover, a vital arterial route for the city. Completed in September 2024, this project aimed to improve the flyover’s structural integrity and performance, ensuring its functionality for years to come.
Several challenges emerged during the project. These included increased bearing loads beyond those considered in the original design, concentrated loads during jacking operations, and high lateral forces that required support from temporary propping structures. Additionally, the heavy traffic flow through the junction below the flyover, especially due to the route’s proximity to St. James Hospital, posed logistical challenges, with the team aiming to minimise disruption to the public. Uncertainty surrounding the condition of the existing structure further complicated the project, requiring thorough structural assessments.
Richter’s involvement as the permanent works designer was crucial at both the pre-construction and construction stages. The team carried out detailed structural assessments, and produced design calculations and accurate bearing set-out drawings to ensure the structure could resist both the temporary and permanent loads. As the project advanced, Richter provided responsive on-site support to address real-time challenges, ensuring the project stayed on track and adhered to its tight programme.
The design solutions were primarily guided by the specification of the new bearings and their loads. Where the existing structure proved to be inadequate, Richter designed temporary and permanent strengthening measures. The team devised innovative solutions such as using hydraulic jacks and stools to stiffen girders and applied a combination of finite element analysis (FEA) and hand calculations to ensure accuracy and compliance with Eurocode and DMRB design standards.
By minimising the need for extensive strengthening works and reusing the existing structure, the project significantly reduced costs, carbon emissions, and public disruption. The life extension of the New York Road Flyover presented substantial environmental and economic benefits compared to a full replacement.
Throughout this project Richter worked closely with Balfour Beatty, Leeds City Council, bearing suppliers Ekspan, and Mabey Hire for the propping and jacking system. This teamwork ensured seamless integration of design, planning, and execution. Additionally, Richter facilitated site visits for apprentices and university students, fostering educational opportunities and promoting industry engagement.
The Marsh Lane Bearing Replacement Scheme exemplifies the importance of innovative engineering, collaboration, and sustainability in modern infrastructure projects. Through Richter’s structural expertise and proactive problem-solving, the project not only overcame significant technical challenges but also ensured the longevity of the flyover, minimising costs and environmental impacts while enhancing the city's transportation infrastructure.
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| Old bearing | New bearing |