A major milestone was reached today when the final section of viaduct was lifted into place. A quick visit yesterday revealed that the penultimate section had been installed so I made an early morning trip today to discover that the last section had arrived. I watched as it drove into the site ready to be unloaded. I was able to return an hour or so later to witness the very last piece being put into place. I am sure that there must have been some well deserved celebrations at the Hitchin Alliance offices this evening for a job well done. There is still a long way to go but they must be very satisfied with the progress they have made so far.
First picture shows the last gap to be filled taken from the River Hiz bridge.
The last section arrives. Note how the two halves are carried separately and pushed together to save room. The driver dons an orange hi-vis jacket.
The lorry moves off into the site entrance guided by a site worker.
Bit of a tight turn so taking it slowly.
Cones being laid out behind it.
Nearly there. Some other plant came out just before presumably to make room.
One half in place with the other on the ground beside it.
Crane is released from the first piece with the aid of a telescopic lifter.
Lifting beam moves clear. See how implausibly small the two D shackles are that hold the large section of steel.
The crane then lifts the end section.
Shame that the dead trees had not been removed as they are in the wrong place today for photographing the end of this section!
Nearly there!
In place.
Lifting beam now being attached to the last piece.
Up it goes.
Very small guide lines held by a site workers to stop it swinging.
Two workers move up on a scissor lift and the telescopic lift to guide it into position.
Whilst another at the other end guides it down onto the mounting. He must have complete faith in those small D shackles and the crane driver!
Getting there slowly. The relatively steep gradient of the viaduct at this point is apparent as the new section is hanging level.
Now five workers doing final adjustments.
The final piece is in place. Well done to Hochtief and the Hitchin Alliance not to mention the fabricators and Powell Heavy Haulage!
Gap is closed.
Great pictures! With the eastern embankment just about finished it feels like progress is so fast that the line could be ready by May, although I expect the possessions to tie into the existing lines and alter the signalling are already booked, so it may not be possible to bring them forward.
ReplyDeleteThanks again, John for your comments. Yes it does seem to be moving so fast that to wait until virtually 2014 would seem disappointing. However I am sure you are right that these things are scheduled a long way in advance. Also not sure how long the route familiarisation will take so guess December 2013 is the likely date.
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