Choosing the Right Temporary Bridge: Key Considerations for Your Project

Selecting the right temporary bridge for your project is essential to ensuring safety, efficiency, and smooth execution. Whether you're an event planner, construction manager, or rail operator, understanding the key considerations for bridge selection can help you navigate challenges such as load capacity, terrain constraints, weather conditions, and regulatory requirements. This practical guide provides the insights you need to make an informed decision, using real-world examples from Mitchell Bridges' extensive experience in delivering temporary bridge solutions.

Event Planners: Timing and Approvals Are Crucial

For event planners, temporary bridges are often needed for festivals, sporting events, and large gatherings. The earlier you begin the planning process, the better. When dealing with new projects, it is generally recommended to start at least 3-4 months before the event date. This timeframe accounts for the complexity of securing necessary approvals, managing logistics, and ensuring the bridge meets all requirements.

Key Considerations for Event Planners

• Location and Access Constraints: You may be working in locations that are difficult to access, such as remote fields, rural areas, or places with limited infrastructure. Be sure to consider the logistics of getting equipment and materials to the site, and whether additional infrastructure needs to be set up.
• Duration: How long will the bridge be required? For short-term events, temporary bridges are often rented or used for just the duration of the event (usually a few days to a few weeks). However, some events may require longer installations, so this will factor into the bridge's design and the time needed for installation and de-installation.
• Approvals Process: Expect a minimum of two months for the approval process, which includes getting permissions from local authorities. Each council has its own approval timeline, so allow for up to 4 weeks for review. Additionally, the Approval in Principle (AIP) must be signed by the relevant professionals and consultants before proceeding. Be aware that the review process can take 2-3 weeks, and there may be the need for resubmissions if revisions are required.

Real-World Example

At major events like Glastonbury Festival, we work with organisers months in advance to ensure that temporary bridges are installed safely and efficiently to manage crowd movement. The site is often located in an area with limited access, so careful planning of the logistics and obtaining all the necessary permits is crucial for a successful outcome.

Construction Managers: Focus on Safety and Site Constraints

For construction managers, selecting the right temporary bridge is equally about site safety and maintaining construction timelines. In new projects, you should aim to start the bridge selection process 3-4 months in advance to allow for proper planning and approvals.

Key Considerations for Construction Managers

• Location and Access Constraints: Like event planners, construction managers often deal with locations that are challenging to access. Sites may be remote or require special equipment to install the bridge. Consideration must also be given to whether there are exclusion zones around the crane area.
• Duration: The length of time the bridge will be needed is important for determining whether a temporary or semi-permanent solution is best. Construction projects may require the bridge for several months, and planning should allow for installation and de-installation time.
• Impact on Other Site Operations: As construction sites often involve heavy machinery and ongoing activities, the placement of the temporary bridge should not interfere with other operations on-site. Proper coordination is essential to ensure the bridge does not cause delays or disruptions to the wider project.

Real-World Example

In the Silvertown Tunnel Project, we were tasked with providing a bridge that could safely transport utilities as well as workers. This required a dual-purpose bridge solution to divert utilities and provide access for workers, all while avoiding interference with other construction activities on-site.

Rail Operators: Navigating Network Rail’s Requirements

When it comes to rail projects, temporary bridges are often necessary for maintaining pedestrian access across live rail lines during construction or maintenance work. The process for selecting a bridge for rail operations is typically more regulated and may take 3-4 months for approval from Network Rail.

Key Considerations for Rail Operators

• Location and Access Constraints: In some cases, bridges need to span across rail lines or other challenging terrains, making access to the installation site critical. Consideration must be given to whether there are any access restrictions, such as limited space for cranes or track possessions that impact installation.
• Duration: Rail operators will need to consider how long the bridge will be in place. If the work is scheduled to last several months or longer, a temporary bridge may be needed for a prolonged period, with careful planning for maintenance and inspections throughout.
• Approval from Network Rail: Network Rail has specific approval processes in place, with varying levels of checks.
  
  • Cat 2: Bridges designed and checked by two individuals from a consultancy who work in different teams.
  • Cat 3: A more rigorous process where the design has to be checked by two individuals from different companies.
  • Network Rail also requires bridges to comply with Eurocodes to ensure safety and structural integrity.

Real-World Example

For a rail crossing project, Mitchell Bridges provided a temporary footbridge to maintain pedestrian access during track works. This required Network Rail approvals, adherence to safety standards, and extensive planning to coordinate installation and traffic management during the works.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Project

Choosing the right temporary bridge is not a one-size-fits-all decision. Whether you’re an event planner, construction manager, or rail operator, understanding the unique challenges of your site and project requirements is crucial to selecting the best bridge solution.

By considering factors such as location, access, duration, and approvals, you can ensure that your project runs smoothly, meets all regulatory standards, and provides a safe and efficient solution for pedestrians.

Mitchell Bridges has extensive experience in providing temporary bridge solutions across a variety of industries. We can help you choose the perfect bridge for your needs, ensuring your project is completed on time, within budget, and with minimal disruption.

Ready to choose the right bridge for your project? Contact Mitchell Bridges to discuss your requirements and get started today. 

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