Cleveland Bridge UK has been recognised for recent landmark projects at the Structural Steel Design Awards. Presented at the 50th anniversary of the awards, held at the Banqueting Hall in London, Cleveland Bridge secured a prestigious award for its role in the redevelopment of London Bridge Station, and also a special commendation for its contribution to the construction of the Queensferry Crossing. Cleveland Bridge provided fabrication and Logistics expertise in the substantial regeneration of London Bridge Station, which secured the company its Structural Steel Award.

Rail hub remained open throughout redevelopment


As the fourth busiest station in the city, serving almost 54 million each year, the rail hub remained open throughout the redevelopment in the heart of London. The project presented complex logistical challenges, to ensure the installation works could be completed successfully as part of a strict and challenging timetable. To deliver the steelworks to the ambitious timetable, Cleveland Bridge undertook trial erections in Darlington. This included the construction of 29 plate girder decks, consisting of six main girders braced together. The decks were subsequently successfully delivered and installed on site using a combination of cranes and, in the early stages of the project, commissioned scissor lifts alongside self-propelled modular transporters. The Darlington-based steel company carried out work for the £1.35bn bridge, connecting Edinburgh to Fife, on behalf of Transport Scotland’s main contractor, Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors, working for the Scottish government.

Fabricated two lines of girders, 550m in length


From its extensive 22-acre facility, Cleveland Bridge fabricated two lines of girders, 550m in length, then assembled the pieces running parallel to each other on site, using about 5000 tons of British-made steel for the Approach Viaduct South. The Approach Viaduct North included the fabrication and site assembly of two parallel girders, measuring about 80 metres, weighing 500te. Although shorter in size, the Approach Viaduct North was a more extensive operation, as it involved moving the massive steel and reinforced concrete structure, with a total launch weight of 6,300 te, around 230m out towards the North Tower. Chris Droogan, managing director of Cleveland Bridge UK, said: “We are very proud to receive recognition to these landmark projects by the structural steel industry. “These projects highlight our success and capability to deliver complex, high-profile structural steel developments and the awards are a positive endorsement of the skills and capabilities that exist within our company and wider group.”