Topic Projects, Infrastructure
Date 20 Feb 2025
The team at the Melton Mowbray Distributor Road (MMDR) project has reached a milestone with the completion of the final major structure on the scheme.
The successful installation of the 47m railway bridge crossing the Birmingham to Peterborough line at Lag Lane marked a significant achievement for the project, carried out in just nine hours.
Representatives from client Leicestershire County Council (LCC), Network Rail and designers AECOM worked with the project team and subcontractors Ainscough, Briton Fabricators, JOS structures, Collins Earthworks to ensure the bridge lift went smoothly and was undertaken without issue.
Two braced pairs of steel girders weighing approximately 150 tonnes per pair were lifted into place using the LR1700 crawler crane, one of the largest cranes in the country and the only crane of its kind in the UK.
The bridge deck is now being completed in situ, as the next phase of the 7.1km scheme takes shape.
The railway bridge is the fourth and final major structure to be completed following two 15m bridges, and a 54m bridge over the diverted River Eye in November.
David Ashworth, Senior Project Manager for Turner & Townsend and working on behalf of Network Rail, commented: “The team at Network Rail Asset Protection has developed an outstanding collaborative and constructive working relationship with Leicestershire County Council, AECOM and Galliford Try. This partnership has led to the safe and successful completion of this key milestone. Everyone involved is incredibly proud of this achievement, having overcome challenges together, and demonstrating the power of teamwork.”
Councillor Ozzy O’Shea, LCC cabinet member for highways and transport said: “It’s incredibly exciting to see Melton’s rail bridge main structure lifted in place.
“This is an important milestone in a large-scale county council road project - we’re focussed on completing the remaining work, bringing us even closer to opening the MMDR to the public.
"This new route will enable huge reductions in town centre traffic, improved air quality and greater access to employment and economic growth. It’s a crucial investment for the busy, growing town of Melton Mowbray.”
Liz Bell, Operations Director for Galliford Try’s Infrastructure business, commented: “Congratulations to all involved with the successful bridge lift that marks the excellent progress the team is making on the MMDR scheme. The fantastic collaboration between all involved demonstrates why the MMDR project is becoming an exemplar for our business, and we look forward to working with all the stakeholders to complete the scheme.”