Cawarden works around the clock to demolish Derby’s Meadow Lane footbridge and safely completes the work ahead of programme allowing the roadway to re-open 24 hours earlier than scheduled.

The A52 Wyvern Transport Improvement Scheme was a key infrastructure project for Derby, and a major aspect of the scheme was the replacement footbridge to link the residential area of Chaddesden to the Wyvern and Pride Park area. To allow the project to forge ahead, the old bridge had to be demolished which is where Cawarden’s expertise came in.

As a sub-contractor to Galliford Try, Cawarden was responsible for demolishing the old footbridge. Due to the A52 section that needed to be closed during the demolition work, the project was completed around the clock, using both day and night shift workers.

After setting up the site, the road and central reservation were adequately protected, and dust suppression measures were put in place.

The demolition process began by shearing off the handrails to allow access to the concrete frame. Our specialist high-reach excavator and other machines were then used to munch the concrete from the middle of the bridge and work out to the inner legs. The legs were pulverized down to a depth of 1.5 metres below the ground. Once the demolition was complete, the clean-up operation could commence. Lorries were used to remove all hardcore and rebar from the site, which was then taken to a local recycling facility. The area was then levelled, and any hazards were removed, leaving the site clean and tidy, and ready for the new bridge to be later installed.

We are proud to have safely completed the works ahead of programme, which allowed the roadway to re-open 24 hours earlier than scheduled.

The new bridge was opened in October 2020, and it significantly improves walking and cycling in the area. It provides a fully accessible link between the residential and commercial areas for pedestrians, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, pushchair users, and cyclists.