en.Wedoany.com Reported - National Highways recently completed the removal of a gantry crane from the Prince of Wales Bridge (formerly known as the Second Severn Crossing). A 25-tonne, 34-metre-wide gantry crane was lowered onto a barge 40 metres below. The operation was carried out over a weekend by a collaborative team from National Highways, Amey, and Denholm Industrial.

A statement from National Highways said: "During the crane's descent, some staff were attached to the bridge. This highly technical and skilled work demonstrates the kind of effort required to keep the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge operational in a harsh environment." This is the first time National Highways has removed a gantry crane since the bridge was built, as the equipment had reached the end of its service life and repairs were no longer cost-effective. The typical service life of a bridge gantry crane is 20 to 35 years.

The gantry crane was lowered onto the barge in two sections, the reverse of the process used during its installation in 1996, before being transported away for recycling.

Mark Maynard, Engineering and Construction Manager for the Prince of Wales Bridge at National Highways, said: "Many of the motorways and major A-roads we manage were built around 60 years ago. Ensuring they remain fit for purpose is an ongoing and continuous task, with safety as our top priority. The Prince of Wales Bridge spans an area with a harsh and extremely variable environment, and much of the maintenance work goes unseen. This gantry crane was a critical tool for keeping the bridge running, and replacing it took months of planning. We are delighted to see it removed in such a professional manner and thank everyone involved in the project to date."

Kyle Davidson, Service Area Manager at Denholm Industrial, said: "Despite the challenging scope of the project, involving complex design and environmental constraints, the team collaborated effectively to overcome difficulties and achieve a successful outcome."

Design work for the replacement equipment is underway, with installation planned to be completed within this financial year.

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