Hankinson Restore Ancient Structure

The Blasting Division of Hankinson Painting Group were recently involved in the restoration of the main span of Powick New Bridge, a Grade II listed structure which carries the A449 over the River Teme, approximately 2 miles South West of the City of Worcester.

The bridge was built in 1837 and consists of two side spans and one main span – the main span taking the road across the river.

The main span (approximately 21 metres in length) consists of 7No cast iron arch ribs and deck plates supported on sandstone abutments.

Access to the structure was carried out using a fully encapsulated hung scaffold. Due to the environmentally sensitive location (river and flood plain) of the bridge, no scaffold could be erected from ground level.

Treatment of the structure consisted of full fresh water wash down followed by abrasive blasting of the cast iron using Garnet media (approximately 16 tonne). This was then followed by applying a 5-coat epoxy paint system (approximately 950 litres in total  -provided by Hempel Paints) and a compatible metal filler (approx. 60 litres) to all blow holes (honeycomb - which is common in cast iron steelwork). All joints/interfaces were treated using a compatible polysulphide sealant. External side elevations of the Main Span were then picked out in various colours, which were chosen by the client. 

Once all works were completed, the scaffold was dismantled and all contact points were prepared and treated by specialist rope access operatives.

Although not a requirement of the contract, all procedures were carried out in accordance with the National Highways Standard NHSS19A and all operatives were ICATS accredited.

Operations Manager Frank Kershaw said: "The works to the Grade II listed structure required not only the ability to perform technically challenging operations but also for our operatives to incorporate their artistic skills to complete the works to the crest heraldry. I would like to take this opportunity to commend the labour force who worked on the scheme and who made it possible for Roy Hankinson Limited to be shortlisted in the Industrial Category of the PDA Awards 2012".

All waste generated from the works was collected and securely stored prior to removal to a suitably licenced waste transfer facility in accordance with our ISO14001 procedures.