Vital project to resurface the Tamar Bridge to begin in April 2021

Work on a vital project to resurface the deck of the Tamar Bridge is due to begin in April.The complex resurfacing project is expected to take approximately six months to complete, with all three lanes on the main deck and both the north and south cantilevers being resurfaced. As well as resurfacing the bridge deck, Tamar Crossings are also taking the opportunity to resurface the toll plaza area and the bridge approaches, and will be replacing all six of the bridge expansion / movement joints.

The project is currently due to be finished by the end of September, when all the lanes will be re-opened to traffic.

Three traffic lanes will be kept open throughout the works to help minimise disruption to bridge users, with the south cantilever used as an additional traffic lane when necessary. This means that the south cantilever will be closed to pedestrians, cyclists and mobility scooter users for the duration of the works. As with the kerb replacement project, a free bus service will be provided to enable these groups to cross the bridge.

Constructed between 1959 and 1961, the iconic suspension bridge was last fully resurfaced at the time of the strengthening and widening project in 1999-2001. As part of that project the original concrete deck was replaced by an orthotropic steel deck – this uses steel plate with stiffening ribs underneath.

The purpose of the bridge deck surfacing is to provide a safe durable running surface for vehicles and also to protect the orthotropic steel deck from wear due to corrosion and fatigue. Just like standard road construction, bridge deck surfacing has a limited lifespan as the millions of loading cycles from traffic eventually cause deterioration. The deck of the Tamar Bridge needs to be resurfaced every 20 to 25 years to prevent damage occurring to the steel deck. In the last 20 years the Bridge has carried around 300 million vehicles.

Routine inspections of the bridge surfacing are carried out every four months. During the last two years these inspections have revealed that the existing surface is nearing the end of its serviceable life and requires replacement.

The resurfacing work is being carried out by VolkerLaser, a specialist civil engineering contractor with extensive experience of working on bridges. It will be overseen by Tamar Crossing’s Engineering Manager Richard Cole.

A specialist, thin asphalt material will be used to resurface the bridge deck. At just 45mm thick, this material is much thinner and lighter than the materials used in standard road construction. It is also more expensive due to other factors and processes required during the resurfacing process. The £6m cost of the project is being met by Tamar Crossings funded from toll income. That project cost also covers replacement of the illuminated lane studs and includes the costs of design and supervision.

The project was originally due to be carried out during 2020, but was postponed until this year because of the coronavirus pandemic and the need to complete the kerb replacement works. Delaying the project again could result in further damage to the surfacing material, leading to cracks which then enables water to penetrate onto the steel plates underneath with the potential for corrosion to occur.

Patching repairs are difficult to carry out on steel bridge decks and would not be as durable as full resurfacing. Adopting this approach would also require more frequent repairs to be carried out, leading to closures of lanes over a longer period, and increasing the potential disruption to bridge users.

All of the works will be carried out in a Covid-secure manner, with contractors required to adhere to Government guidance. Tamar Crossings will also ensure that the latest Construction Leadership Council Site Operating Procedures are rigorously enforced.

While work on the project will officially begin at the beginning of April, significant preparation work needs to take place before the contractor starts work on the bridge deck. As a result lane restrictions will not be introduced until the middle of April.

Resurfacing the steel bridge deck involves a series of highly complex procedures, the majority of which need to be carried out in dry, mild weather conditions.

These include first removing the majority of the existing surface material using a road planer, with a thin layer left on the steel deck to prevent damage from the teeth of the planing machine. The remaining layer is then removed by hand. An enclosed mobile blasting machine is used to remove any remains of the surfacing or deck waterproofing material, producing a clean surface which can be inspected for cracks or damage.

Following repairs to any damaged areas, the contractors will apply a paint ‘primer’ to the deck followed by a two layer water proofing system to provide vital corrosion protection to the steel deck plates.

A ‘tack coat’ is applied to help the surfacing material bond to the waterproofing, creating a composite surfacing system. Two thin layers of the surfacing material is then applied using a special machine which runs on rails. This helps to ensure the correct thickness of the material is applied, whilst also providing a smooth running surface.

The final process involves laying the road markings and installing the replacement illuminated road stud system.

We recognise that the timing of the project means that the resurfacing will be continuing over the summer period. Unfortunately the need to carry out the majority of the works during dry and mild weather means that we cannot move the project to the winter months. Delaying the scheme for another year would lead to further deterioration in the surface of the deck.

It is also not possible to carry out the works solely at night as the lanes cannot be re-opened to traffic until the resurfacing has been completed. Working at night also introduces other issues, such as worker safety and noise. Using heavy plant and machinery at night would have a major impact on the lives of the people close to the bridge.

Richard Cole- Engineering Manager Tamarcrossings

While the crossing will remain open throughout the works, the traffic management arrangements and lane restrictions mean that drivers of ‘abnormal loads’ may be restricted during certain phases of the project. Full details of abnormal load restrictions will be shared with hauliers via ESDAL2 and our website which will also include a suggested diversion route for wide vehicles.

Advanced warning signs will be placed at key locations on the A38 and the local traffic network, as well as on the main motorway junctions.

Regular updates on the project will be posted on the Tamar Crossings website and social media channels, and provided to motoring organisations and the local media. This will include real time information of any traffic congestion or delays which will also be displayed on electronic messaging signs on the A38 and local roads.

We are, of course ,very conscious of the importance of the Tamar Bridge as a vital transport link between Cornwall and Devon. This is a major once in 20-25 years scheme which is essential for the safety of bridge users and in ensuring a long service life for the structure. We will be working closely with contractors and partners to deliver the resurfacing project safely, efficiently and with as little disruption to bridge users as possible.

David List – General Manager Tamarcrossings