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Rail Demolition

Downwell Rail have recently been awarded the Long John Hill rail demolition project by Volkerfitzpatrick. The project consists of an arched brick built bridge that crosses Long John Hill and carries trains travelling along the Norwich to Liverpool St, London line.

The bridge, which was built in 1850, was inspected by engineers for Network Rail in May 2015 and the road underneath was closed to allow for maintenance work.Due to the bridges instability the arch beneath the bridge had to be packed with a large amount of propping so that the trains could continue to run over the top.

Rather than repairing the bridge it was decided by Network Rail to replace the damaged and ageing bridge. The demolition of the old bridge and installation of the new one are due to be completed over a 72 hour possession. Starting in the early hours of a Saturday morning the old bridge will be demolished using demolition plant to remove the propping, break apart the crumbling brick work and load all of the arisings away in a local transportation companies vehicles for recycling.

The new bridge which is currently being constructed by Volkerfitzpatrick in Long John Hill will be jacked up and driven into its new position before being secured into place and having the tracks reinstated over the top.

Downwell Rail are extremely excited to be a part of this project which is due to be completed in August this year.

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