Giant crane lifts new £10m footbridge into place in Telford - PICTURES
One of Europe’s largest cranes lifted a piece of the new £10 million footbridge linking Telford Central railway station with Telford Shopping Centre into position in the early hours today.
The 230ft high crane, which is half again as tall as the Telford Plaza One building, attracted crane enthusiasts before it was fully assembled.
It was brought to the town on 16 lorries and weighs 95 tons – the same as seven double decker buses.
The lift of the rail section took place in the early hours of Sunday morning.
A crowd of up to 100 eager people had arrived before sunrise to see the work being carried out by the engineers.
Work started at around 1am with the railway line closed allowing the team to attach the crane to the bridge section.
Councillor Lee Carter, cabinet member with special responsibility for finance, commercial services and economic development, said: “This is another wow moment, it’s one of the biggest engineering projects that we’ve been involved in in a couple of decades, it’s a massive project.
“It’s upgrading our infrastructure to make sure that we’re equipped for the growth of the future.
“We are a growing town and will accept growth if you invest in infrastructure and we’re committed to that.
“It’s Telford’s 50th year and the tradition of bridge building continues which is nice and symbolic for us as a town.”
Once the crane was attached the bridge section was raised and placed in position and aligned with the lift shafts which it will sit on and be fixed to.
Motorists were advised to avoid the A442 between Hollinswood and Wombridge while the work takes place.
James Corrigan from Balfour Beatty, and project manager, said: “We’ve been working on this with the council for about two years now, we’ve got a really good relationship.”
Telford & Wrekin Council tweeted shortly after 3am: "Well just after 3am and we are delighted to say that the rail section of the footbridge has been successfully lifted into place.
"Quite a crowd gathered to watch - somewhere between 50 and a 100.
"Only a slight breeze so wind not a problem. Thanks for your support."
A live stream of the crane’s construction can be seen at telford.gov.uk/footbridge
