Red7Marine, has recently completed a cleaning contract on the A14 at Orwell Bridge on behalf of Highways England and Ringway to maintain the assets and protect the surrounding environment.
The works carried out involved the cleaning of the pollution control chambers and drop gate manholes on Orwell Bridge at Piers 9, 10 and 15. The chambers are connected to the road gulleys on Orwell Bridge which collect surface water from the road. This activity is routinely carried out to reinstate the containment capacity of the chambers to ensure the safe operation of the structure and one that Red7Marine has completed in the past.
Red7Marine’s Haven Seajack 2 100T jack-up barge was used as a stable working platform to enable the works to take place. The barge was mobilised from the company’s quay-side fabrication facility in the Port of Ipswich and was towed to the bridge pier locations.
Red7Marine contracted Ipswich wastewater specialists, Binder, to assist with the contract. A 4,000-gallon tanker and a jetting truck which holds 800 gallons of fresh water and can also store 1,000 gallons of waste, were placed on the deck of the jack-up barge and were operated by Binder’s highly trained and experienced operatives. The tanker was used for the removal of accumulated debris, liquid and silt from the gulleys. After the works at each location were complete, the barge was towed back to Red7Marine’s facility to unload the tankers ready for the next day.
Nick Offord, CEO at Red7Marine comments: “We were delighted to carry out the cleaning contract on Orwell Bridge having carried out the project in the past. It was a great local job for us where we were able to take advantage of the experienced and specialist local contractors in the area.
This project also demonstrates the versatility of our fleet, using an alternative method to carry out this contract efficiently. Our highly robust self-elevating units raise and lower above the water level on jacking legs and can be manoeuvred over water into a working position to provide a stable, safe working platform. The project was successfully completed within programme, in just four days and within budget to the satisfaction of the client.”
Paul Meadows, Service Delivery Manager at Ringway comments: “The maintenance works are an essential factor in prolonging the lifespan of the structure. The structure provides a vital link in supporting the economy through the transportation of goods between Felixstowe Port and the rest of the country…the current works provide a great example of supporting the customer.”
Photography credit: Aerial Essex
