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National Highways walking on water to undertake bridge repairs in Kent


Divine skills not required, that was the message to skilled engineers from National Highways, who thought they were being asked to ‘walk on water’ recently when they started essential repairs to a motorway bridge in Kent.

The work, which is being carried out from underneath the bridge on the M20, is using a special pontoon over the Great Stour River, near Ashford, and is expected to be finished by the end of this year. Engineers will carry out essential repairs and maintenance to the concrete and steel that helps reinforce the bridge, to keep the structure safe and secure.

Nikki Thorp, National Highways project manager for the scheme, said: “As we’ve not found the secret of how to walk on water yet, floating work platforms and walkways are ideal for bridge maintenance, allowing contractors to access a structures underside from the water.”

“They are modular and lightweight, so they can be mobilised quickly. This allow us to be flexible and responsive, meaning we can be busy making repairs out of sight without disrupting traffic flows.”

Covering an area of roughly 550m2 - around the same as two tennis courts - the pontoon allows the team to get under the bridge and makes repairs while traffic on the motorway continues to flow above.

The project is part of National Highway’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the nations transport infrastructure and ensuring the safety and well-being of motorists


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