Highways Agency

The Project

The Mount Pleasant Bridge, located over the M6 between Junctions 32 and 33, did not meet current standards and needed to be replaced. Replacement of the old four span with a two span structure incorporated the innovative use of Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP), "plastic", deck units with steel beams and removed the requirement for verge piers.

The Works

The works started on 17 October 2005 and were completed at the end of May 2006. The works comprised the following:

• Construction of new reinforced concrete abutments and central pier.
• Construction of new approach embankments.
• Construction of new FRP and steel beam bridge deck.
• Demolition of the original four span structure.

Traffic Management

Traffic Management measures were required to provide a safe environment during the period of the works to protect the travelling public and the workforce. The following restrictions were required:

• A mandatory 50mph speed limit enforced using cameras. These cameras monitored the average speed of vehicles through the traffic management and recorded those vehicles whose average speed exceeded the speed limit.
• Lane restrictions to both carriageways was required at various times during the works. These lane restrictions included lane 1 and hardshoulder closures as well as lane 2 and 3 closures over an approximate length of ¾ mile.
• Closures of the M6 were required between Junctions 32 and 33 in order to lift the new bridge deck into place and demolish the old one. The first weekend closure occurred at the start of April. Subsequent closures occurred in May. A mid-week closure was required on Thursday 27th April to carry out additional work on the new bridge.
• The closures took place on the following dates:
  • From 20:00hrs Saturday 8th April to 10:00hrs Sunday 9th April 2006.
  • From 21:00hrs Thursday 27th April to 06.00hrs Friday 28th April 2006.
  • From 20:00hrs Saturday 6th May to 10:00hrs Sunday 7th May 2006.
  • From 20:00hrs Saturday 13th May to 10:00hrs Sunday 14th May 2006.

• A signed diversion via the A6 was in place during the closures. Access to Forton Services from the M6 and entry from Forton services to the Southbound M6 was prohibited during these times.

Benefits

The benefits provided by these works were:

• A new innovative bridge to modern standards
• Reduced Maintenance liability
• Continued safe usage of a Public Right of Way