Central Demolition Limited were awarded the contract for the demolition of the disused railway bridge in Newcraighall as part of preparatory works for a new Barratt Homes residential development in the area.  The project was successfully undertaken in November 2014.

Further to planning our approach for the removal of the bridge, we worked closely with our client to prepare comprehensive resident letters.  These letters contained essential information about road closures, a special shuttle bus service and any disruption to be expected.  Our Site Supervisor organised a letter drop to properties around the site in advance of the works so as to keep local people informed.  This was particularly important due to the busy main road being closed for the duration of the removal.  There were several shops, schools and residential and commercial properties in close proximity to the site, so our advance planning was appreciated and minimised disruption caused.

The scope of the works was to remove the disused railway bridge and 1nr stone abutment and loose coping stones to the opposite abutment.  A full road closure allowed our operatives to undertake the works safely.  Prior to commencement of the bridge removal we removed trees and shrubbery to the rear of the abutment to be demolished in preparation for the main demolition works.

Operatives commenced the bridge works by burning the large steel end beam at the Musselburgh side of bridge.  They then burned individual beams as the works progressed towards the Newcraighall side of the bridge.  All materials were dropped to the ground and were cleared at regular intervals for later crushing and recycling to allow a safe working area for the operatives.  Meanwhile, our machine operator was demolishing the abutment once the relevant sections of steel were burned and removed.  This was all carried out in a progressive and cohesive manner until the abutment and steel bridge were fully removed.  The area was then graded towards the new residential site, the road was re-opened and traffic was allowed to flow.

The biggest challenge faced during the bridge removal was the timescale of the works.  Our team had to work against the clock whilst maintaining excellent health and safety standards at all times – and we are pleased with our team’s performance.

The project was completed safely, on time and within budget.  Barratt Homes were very satisfied with the standard of our work on site and were impressed with the short timescale required to complete the works.

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