The services of Hickman Engineering were recently enlisted by Thanet District Council for bridge repairs and maintenance work on a crucial piece of infrastructure: a road access bridge spanning a lock establishment. This bridge serves as a vital link for daily traffic flow and access across the lock area, making its functionality essential for both the council’s operations and the convenience of the local community.
Assessing the task
The task was to address reported mechanical issues and a high-pitched noise emanating from the bridge. The scope of the bridge repairs involved not only inspection but also the meticulous planning and execution of bridge removal, necessitating the use of specialised equipment such as a heavy lift crane to ensure safety and precision.
Once removed, the bridge underwent thorough examination, revealing a range of components requiring attention. Specialist braces needed to be fabricated to support the bridge during maintenance, due to its size and weight. Further analysis identified the need for structural welding and fabrication, along with repairs to radial spherical bearings, trunnion shafts, bushings, and the bridge cylinder bracket.
Completing the Repairs
This bridge repairs and maintenance project was a custom job, demanding the expertise and collaboration of multiple divisions within Hickman Engineering. Teams specialising in Engineering, Bespoke Parts and Machining, Welding and Fabrication, and Line Boring were mobilised to address the unique challenges posed by the bridge’s condition. Our ability to tackle complex projects such as these bridge repairs underscores our commitment to providing comprehensive solutions tailored to their clients’ specific needs.
A variety of specialised tools and equipment were employed to complete the tasks at hand. Welding and fabrication equipment, burning torches, and grinders were used to carry out necessary repairs and structural enhancements. Line boring equipment, lathes and milling machines, were used to ensure precise machining of components. An impressive 250-ton crane and fabricated stands were deployed to facilitate the safe handling and positioning of heavy bridge.
The comprehensive nature of the bridge repairs meant that the project was estimated to span a duration of 12 weeks, which adhered to the client’s specified timeframe. Despite the complexity of the undertaking, the project was successfully concluded within the allotted schedule, reflecting Hickman Engineering’s commitment to meeting client expectations and project deadlines.
Specialist Bridge Repairs
Given the intricacies involved in the repairs and the stringent requirements outlined in the surveyor’s report, this maintenance project was classified as a specialist job. Compliance with strict guidelines and the use of specific grades of materials with requisite certifications were paramount to ensuring the structural integrity and longevity of the bridge. Hickman Engineering’s meticulous approach and adherence to industry standards underscore our ability to handle bespoke projects with precision and proficiency.
The successful completion of the bridge repairs project for our client stands as a testament to our expertise and dedication to delivering high-quality solutions. Through collaborative efforts across multiple divisions and meticulous attention to detail, we ensured the structural integrity and operational efficiency of the bridge, meeting the client’s requirements within the stipulated time frame.
Dedicated Personnel
A key member of our team involved in the bridge repairs had the following comments:
“We had undertaken works like this before but there were aspects of this specialist project which were new to us. With our dedicated team of skilled personnel we were able to complete the works to a high standard prior to the completion deadline.”
They identified certain challenges with the work that were overcome by the team:
“There were many challenges to overcome while conducting repairs to the client’s asset. The site was located in view of the public, so we had to ensure that safe working areas were in place to shield the public from ongoing works. We also had to overcome fabrication issues due to the condition of the remaining material. We overcame all challenges that were presented.”
Our staff take pride in completing the bridge repairs to the highest standard:
“We are extremely satisfied with the end result and take pride in completing the works to the surveyor’s standards. Upon completion a final survey was conducted with no issues found and the report stated that a quality repair had been carried out. We take a lot of pride in carrying out our works to a high standard and were pleased to have achieved the repair and have quality feedback from a satisfied customer.”
Challenge Our Team
As a leading provider of bespoke engineering solutions, we invite any organisation facing similar challenges to entrust their projects to our capable hands. With a proven track record of tackling complex tasks with precision and proficiency, Hickman Engineering stands ready to deliver tailored solutions that exceed expectations and withstand the test of time.
Our client was extremely satisfied with our work:
“Hickman Engineering were on site at the Port of Ramsgate, conducting works to the lock gate unit. Following the successful completion of this project we engaged them, through a procurement process, to undertake additional repairs to the bascule bridge.”
“The bridge is a key facility in the Harbour, and had been out of action for some time. It was important to complete the repairs and return it to full service. The work was carried out to a very high standard. The contractors kept us regularly updated with progress, costs and concerns.”
If you have similar repairs and maintenance work on large structures or machinery, please contact us to organise a site visit.
