UBB65 Gormanston Bridge Refurbishment
GABE completed the UBB65 Gormanston bridge refurbishment for Iarnród Éireann / Irish Rail. The €448,353 project involved the refurbishment and protection of the existing railway bridge over the Delvin River. GABE acted as Principal Contractor and managed the works from site establishment through to completion. 7.10 Case Study UBB65 Gormanston 7.10 Case Study UBB65 Gormanston
The bridge forms part of the Dublin–Belfast railway line. It measures approximately 47.2 metres long and 8.72 metres wide. In addition, the structure has three spans and is supported on stone abutments at the riverbanks.
UBB65 Gormanston Bridge Refurbishment Works
GABE first established a temporary compound for welfare facilities and storage. The team also removed vegetation and prepared access to the works area through a local farmer’s field.
Following this, GABE installed specialist scaffolding and encapsulation around the bridge. This provided safe access while also helping to control the preparation and coating activities.
The team then power washed the structure at 5,000 psi. GABE used a combination of mechanical preparation, UHP water jetting and grit blasting. These methods prepared the steelwork to ST3/Sa2.5 standard before application of the protective coating system.
Environmental and Site Controls
The location created additional challenges for the UBB65 Gormanston bridge refurbishment. The bridge sits at the mouth of the estuary. Therefore, GABE had to consider tidal conditions throughout the works.
In addition, the team took particular care during sea storms and managed the works around people using the nearby seaside area. Environmental controls formed an important part of the project throughout the surface preparation and coating activities.
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