Rope and Sling Specialists Ltd. (RSS) delivered below-the-hook equipment for removal of a 117.5t bridge, as Severn Trent’s major upgrade of the Matlock Sewage Treatment Works (STW) continues.

With a new bridge positioned across the River Derwent earlier this spring, Beaver Bridges Ltd. was required to remove the old site access crossing. Two cranes were sourced from the expansive fleet of Ainscough Crane Hire to lift the 34m-long, 4.5m-wide structure in a single piece. 

A 600t capacity Terex-Demag TC 2800 crane and a 230t capacity Liebherr LTM 1230-5.1 five-axle all-terrain mobile crane were deployed together for the lift. The TC 2800 lattice-boom crane performed the primary lift, with the LTM 1230-5.1 operating as the secondary crane. Adam Slicer, appointed person at Beaver Bridges, was responsible for the lift plan and supervision of the lift; RSS delivered product and expertise from its Rotherham depot.

Below-the-hook of the TC 2800, a 17m-long, 150t capacity modular Modulift spreader beam was rigged above two 60t capacity CMOD70, 10m by 3m spreader frames, offering four pick points each. Collar chains were basketed through the bridge and connected to shackles on 6m-long, 30t capacity slings.

Stephen Littler, regional manager at RSS, said: “We worked closely with Beaver Bridges and Ainscough to make sure the below-the-hook equipment was delivered and ready for the lift. With a 117t-plus bridge being removed in a single piece, it was a rewarding project to see through to completion. We continue to value the partnership with Adam and the team at Beaver Bridges; we’re already looking forward to the next challenging collaboration.”

While the arrangement shared many of the same planning and safety considerations as a contract lift, the cranes were hired by Beaver Bridges under the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) crane-hire terms rather than as a contract lift. Under CPA crane-hire arrangements, responsibility for planning and managing the lifting operation remains with the hirer, whereas a contract lift places those responsibilities with the crane hire company. In this case, Beaver Bridges retained responsibility for the lift plan and supervision; Ainscough provided the cranes and operators; and RSS oversaw delivery of the rigging gear.

Slicer said: “Our team safely removed the old site access bridge following the successful completion of the full turnkey construction and installation of the new crossing. It was certainly another lift to remember. A huge thank you to our strategic supply chain partners — Ainscough and RSS — for the cranes, lifting gear and top-class service throughout the project.”

RSS offers a comprehensive portfolio of lifting and rigging hardware and training, in addition to live365 digitalisation and compliance technology. It supplies blocks, shackles, hooks, slings and harnesses — all covered by periodic Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) examinations — to some of the UK’s most notable large-scale infrastructure projects and blue chip firms.

The old Matlock STW bridge was removed from site before being taken for scrap.

Caption: RSS delivered below-the-hook equipment for removal of the 117.5t bridge.

Caption: The 10m by 3m spreader frames offered four pick points each.

Caption: An aerial view of the Terex-Demag and Liebherr cranes at work.

Caption: With a new bridge positioned across the River Derwent earlier this spring (foreground), Beaver Bridges was required to remove the old site access crossing.

Contacts for editorial enquiries: Steve Hutin, steve@rssgroup.co.uk