Birkenhead Bridge

The Wirral Dock Bridge is a steel truss opening bridge which was constructed around 1931. It forms a vital link in the Wirral road network, facilitating access to the port of Liverpool. As part of a major £7.5 million project, it needed to be dismantled and removed and replaced with new infrastructure.

Project and Location
Birkenhead
Sector
Infrastructure
Value
Overall project valued at £7.5 million, involving dismantling and replacement of bridges
Duration
1 week
Products (Inc Quantity)

400 Tonne Modular Beam

250 Tonne Dyneema Round Slings

110H Modular Beams

58 Tonne Wire Rope Slings

55 Tonne Collar Chains

Widebody Shackles

Introduction

The work was necessary as the bridge was outdated and nearing the end of its useful life. It required frequent and costly maintenance over recent years, causing significant disruption to drivers, with the route regularly having to be closed for emergency or essential maintenance. If the rate of deterioration had been allowed to continue, the route would have soon become unsuitable for HGV’s.

The Challenge

This was a high-profile project as there was significant disruption to the travelling public during the dismantling work. The route between Wallasey and Birkenhead is ordinarily very busy and there was no through route along Tower Road during the works, so time was of the essence. The bridge needed to be lifted by a floating crane and lifted over 300 metres to the quayside. With uncertainty relating to the exact weight of the bridge, we were tasked with supplying over 400 tonnes of lifting tackle to complete this challenging lift.

The Solution

Following an assessment of the lift based on the customer’s plan, Sunbelt Rentals provided a comprehensive list of all the products and accessories needed to complete the lift successfully. This comprised a floating crane capable of lifting the structure and carrying it across to the quayside. The product range supplied by Sunbelt Rentals included a 400 Tonne Modular Beam, 250 Tonne Dyneema Round Slings, 110H Modular Beams, 58 Tonne Wire Rope Slings, 55 Tonne Collar Chains and Widebody Shackles. Due to the heavy weight of the dismantled steel bridge, Health and Safety was the ultimate priority and Sunbelt Rentals expertise in the lifting sector was absolutely critical.

The Results

The lift was successfully completed in a single day with all lifting equipment supplied by the local Sunbelt Rentals centre in Liverpool. This project showcased Sunbelt Rentals’ investment in heavy lifting equipment, and our expertise in completing demanding lifts.