Details of more problem bridges have emerged with both Network Rail and National Highways revealing they are affected alongside High Speed 2 Ltd (HS2 Ltd).<\/p>\n
Steel giant Severfield this week posted a \u00a35.8m pre-tax loss in its interim results after uncovering the need to remediate a series of jobs it had worked on.<\/p>\n
Now major clients have revealed bridge projects that are being inspected where Severfield was the steel contractor.<\/p>\n
HS2 Ltd said nine of its crossings were impacted. National Highways has revealed it has five structures requiring inspection, while it has also emerged that Network Rail has a bridge needing remediation.<\/p>\n
A National Highways spokesperson said: \u201cSafety is and always will be our top priority. We regularly carry out inspections on the structures we manage to make sure our network is safe and in good working order. We are carrying out targeted inspections on a small number of bridges to rule out any potential issues.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese bridges remain safe to use. For any abnormal load movements, we have put restrictions in place as a precaution while we assess whether any further strengthening measures may be required.\u201d<\/p>\n
A Network Rail spokesperson said: \u201cNetwork Rail has been made aware of a construction issue with one of its new steel girder bridges on a freight-only line in the Midlands.<\/p>\n
“The issue relates to the quality of some of its welded joints. While there are no operational or safety issues to be concerned with in the short or medium term, it is likely that remedial work will be needed to lengthen the predicated lifespan of some welds. We are discussing the issue with our main supplier, and its sub-contractor, to provide a suitable solution in the months ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n
A spokesperson for HS2 Ltd said: \u201cWe have identified a number of welding defects related to steel fabrication work undertaken by one of our suppliers. A\u202fcomprehensive review has been undertaken to determine the extent of the further action required. We are working closely with the company and our supply chain to address the issue.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis will not impact on the safety or quality of the operational railway which is being designed to the highest standards.\u201d<\/p>\n
It has now been confirmed that three of the affected HS2 bridges are currently in use. Construction News<\/em> understands that tests have proved they are safe to remain in service but maintenance may be required sooner than planned.<\/p>\n The trio of structures in this category are Duddeston Mill Road bridge in Birmingham; the Princes Risborough to Aylesbury rail bridge in Stoke Mandeville; and the Harvil Road bridge in Hillingdon.<\/p>\n Meanwhile the five National Highways bridges requiring inspection were named as the A30 at Chiverton; the A46 Binley Junction; the A454 at Catherine De Barnes Lane South; the M42 Solihull Road; and the A1 Allerdene Railway Replacement.<\/p>\n