Steel support frames being installed on Hammersmith Bridge
Steel support frames to stabilise the 135-year-old Hammersmith Bridge have begun to be installed.
The bespoke steel frames are being fitted by Hammersmith & Fulham's world-leading experts on the saddles where the bridge's chains are attached.
Watch a video of the installation.
To make the frames, the steel was imported in 29 giant sheets and then cut into 1,220 bespoke pieces, before being welded together in a Middlesbrough factory. The new steel frames were also painted off-site in the Grade II* listed structure's original green colour.
Once the steel frames are fitted, the engineers will jack up the saddles and replace the corroded seized bearings. This marks the final phase of the stabilisation works as we work to restore Hammersmith Bridge to its Victorian splendour.
Following that, engineers will carry out repair work to the bridge's surface and decking, before looking to reopen the main carriageway to cyclists.
Read more details about the restoration of Hammersmith Bridge.
Spanning the generations
While H&F specialist engineers are working hard every day on-site, Hammersmith Bridge remains a teaching tool for the next generation of engineers.
Our expert team welcomed 25 third-year civil engineering students from Trinity College Dublin to demonstrate the reality of working on a large engineering project.
"Maintenance and repair of old infrastructure is going to be a big part of the careers of civil engineers in the future," commented John Hickey, a Structural Engineering lecturer who accompanied the undergraduates.
"Getting to see Hammersmith Bridge is really useful to help students to understand the challenges that they, and society in general, will face in the coming years as critical infrastructure ages."
One Trinity student, Neha Jacob, 20, reflected on why she chose a career in civil engineering. "I remember going on a school trip when I was in secondary school and loved it."
Pupils bridge the gap
Our popular Bridges4Schools programme and site visits for local pupils continued during STEM week (13-17 March). H&F's contractor and engineering firm Mott MacDonald gave local pupils hands-on engineering lessons.
Students from Addison Primary School and St. Stephen's CE Primary School took part in assembling and walking across a 13-meter-long bridge.
Check out the photos on Flickr.
As part of our pioneering Industrial Strategy, H&F Council is continuing to make our borough stronger by inspiring young people to consider engineering and other STEM fields.
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