Autor: Isabel Caruana

THE BRIEF Robert West was commissioned to develop a design for strengthening the footbridge dating from circa 1886 whilst minimising disruption to public access. VALUE-ADDED SOLUTION The following strengthening and refurbishment works were designed:provision of new outriggers restraining the top flange of each girdersprovision of new end frames, end posts and bearing assemblies to replace the existing ones in order to reinstate the original load path on to the existing cast-iron trestlerepair the strengthening of lattices based on either condition and/or strengthprovision of vertical transverse bracing between steel columnsfull grit blasting and protective paintwork treatmentrepair and refurbishment works to trestle and landingreinstatement of anti-slip surfacing, timber decking and drainage.FINAL OUTCOMES A Grip 3/4 design was prepared for AIP submission and achieved approval Share BACK TO PROJECTS

THE BRIEF Robert West, appointed through the Transport for London framework, faced the challenge of redesigning and strengthening a four-storey building to serve as the new Piccadilly Line Control Centre. The redevelopment included creating space for a control centre, equipment rooms, office, and staff accommodation. A critical client requirement was to enhance the building's blast resilience, and Robert West was responsible for the intricate design associated with this aspect.VALUE-ADDED SOLUTION The design began in April 2016 and was completed to a very challenging programme. Site works have been progressing since January 2017 and have reached completion. We have been providing on-site assistance during the implementation phase and also acted as the Temporary Works Coordinator, working closely with the contractor throughout.FINAL OUTCOMES We are confident that the high-end finish will delight…

THE BRIEF A coordinated design of the new eastern entrance and exit to Shadwell Station, located between Bank, Tower Gateway Stations and Limehouse Station. Access and egress from the station took place from the western end of the station, via the formal entrance on Watney Street. A staircase and lift provide access from street level to platform level above. The eastern new exit and entrance is located in Shadwell Place, a pedestrian way, off Sutton Street and was designated as an emergency exit.  The brief specified items to be retained, removed and modified, including retention of the existing staircase and support structure.  VALUE-ADDED SOLUTION The team designed all of the specified works in accordance with the brief that included balustrades, the stair enclosure, a high level bowstring frame, goal post supports,…

THE BRIEF Oxford Road footbridge is located near Clacton-On-Sea station on the Colchester to Clacton line. It was constructed in circa 1920. The footbridge carries a footpath between Oxford Road and Clacton Leisure Centre, with a single span over four Network Rail tracks. There is Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) in place over each track supported by gantries. The bridge was in poor condition and was identified for deck replacement with a trestle modification scheme.The proposed intervention work included replacing the main span and landings with a new steel plate girder structure and landings. The new main span and landings were adapted from Network Rail’s standard non-station footbridge details and suited to the longer clear span requirement of 28 metres approximately.VALUE-ADDED SOLUTION The existing trestle supports and stairways were assessed for re-use, strengthened…

THE BRIEF A pedestrian footbridge, originally built in the late 1800’s, had been identified as unsafe and was closed to the public in January 2019.Robert West engineers were commissioned by Leeke Associates (lead designers for the scheme) to undertake the Temporary Works design for the removal of the bridge in a similar way to that shown in our video of the removal of Oxford Road footbridge.The footbridge provided pedestrians and cyclists with a method of crossing from one side of the railway line to the other. Our Transport Planners are undertaking a feasibility study to identify the effect of the removal of the bridge for members of the public.VALUE-ADDED SOLUTION The engineering team reviewed historic documentation, undertook site visits, pieced the information together and undertook calculations to assess how the…