en.Wedoany.com Reported - A 34-metre-wide gantry on the Prince of Wales Bridge in the UK has been successfully dismantled recently, marking the first time a gantry has been removed from the bridge since its completion in 1996. Teams from National Highways, Amey, and Denholm Industrial lowered the gantry in two sections 40 metres down to a barge over a single weekend, with some team members suspended above the bridge deck during the operation. The gantry was then transported 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, and ensuring they remain fit for purpose is a long-term, ongoing effort, with safety as our top priority. The Prince of Wales Bridge spans an area subject to harsh environments and frequent extreme conditions, and much of the maintenance work goes unseen. This gantry was a critical piece of equipment for keeping the bridge operational, and its replacement required months of planning."

Typically, bridge gantries have a service life of 20 to 35 years. The decision to dismantle was made because repairs were no longer cost-effective and the gantry was nearing the end of its service life. Kyle Davidson, Regional Manager at Denholm Industrial Services, said: "Despite facing multiple challenges, including complex design and environmental constraints, the team collaborated effectively, overcame difficulties, and achieved success. We are proud to continue our collaboration under the SBIM contract framework."

A replacement gantry is currently being designed and is expected to be installed within this financial year. The Prince of Wales Bridge is a vital crossing over the River Severn on the M4 motorway in the UK.

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