Welding issues have surfaced on the recently constructed Allerdene Bridge, part of the A1 Birtley to Coal House upgrade project near Gateshead. The 3,400-tonne bridge, completed in September 2023, was designed to improve traffic flow on this busy stretch. However, defects in the welds—detected by steelwork contractor Severfield—could potentially shorten the bridge’s projected 120-year lifespan if left unaddressed.

While authorities assure the public that the bridge poses no immediate safety risks, restrictions on abnormal loads remain in place. Additionally, the extra traffic lanes added as part of the upgrade remain closed for roughly one mile around the bridge. National Highways is collaborating with project designers to develop a repair plan but has not yet provided a timeline for completion.

Severfield, which identified similar welding issues on 12 other bridges across various projects, estimates the total remediation cost at over £20 million. So far, £9.8 million has been spent on testing and initial fixes, with further liabilities expected. Despite the setbacks, Severfield maintains that these defects do not compromise the safety of operational bridges.

This situation underscores the critical role of precision in welding for infrastructure projects. Such issues not only cause financial strain but also delay public benefits from infrastructure upgrades. For welding professionals, it’s a reminder of the profession’s significance in ensuring long-term durability and safety in major construction efforts.

Source:

Welding defects found in new bridge on A1 near Gateshead
A NEW bridge built as part of a massive project to widen a section of the A1 has been found to contain defects.
Darlington and Stockton TimesHannah Chapman
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