Statom Group is proud to announce the successful installation of pre-cast bridge beams over the River Ouzel in Milton Keynes, showcasing our growing capability in complex bridge construction projects. This landmark installation represents not only a technical achievement but also a significant milestone for the project, allowing decking works to commence and the bridge to span the river for the first time.
While the bridge construction followed standard procedures, the location presented unique challenges. Working over a river in a floodplain required careful planning to manage seasonal flooding. The team excavated for the piling mat and constructed a clay berm around the site, effectively preventing winter floods from impacting the work. Additional ground stabilisation was provided with a grid of 300mm diameter by 8m CMC piles installed behind the bridge walls, ensuring a stable foundation for the connecting road.
Environmental considerations were a key focus throughout the project. Scour protection was installed along the river banks, and an ecological watching brief was maintained to protect otters, nesting birds, newts, and other rare species.
The bridge beams themselves were “W” beams, each 34.2 metres in length and over 80 tonnes in weight. Their wider base provided added stability, but also required specialist handling. To transport the beams from Ireland to Milton Keynes, police escorts accompanied the modular haulage system across the ferry and down the motorway. On site, the beams were stored on trestles placed on purpose-built platforms to ensure safe handling.
Installation over the river demanded the use of a larger crane and temporary Bailey bridges to access both sides of the span. The lift was carefully planned with extensive pre-construction meetings involving the client, engineers, ecologists, and lift teams. Swept path analyses and detailed lift plans ensured the modular haulage vehicles and cranes could operate efficiently and safely.
This project has been a milestone for Statom Group, demonstrating our ability to plan and execute complex bridge beam installations with precision and care. It reflects the team’s expertise in heavy lifting, ecological management, and civil engineering, reinforcing our reputation as a trusted partner in large-scale infrastructure projects.
A big congratulations to the Milton Keynes team for their exceptional coordination, planning, and execution in delivering this phase of the works safely and efficiently.
