LOCATION:
A £4m refurbishment and new build scheme to remove an old steel frame relating to a redundant tramway and replace it with a segregated cycle and footway from the ferry terminal to town centre.
Ryde Pier is the world’s oldest seaside pleasure pier and the second longest pier in the UK.
The activities and sequencing were as follows:
- Tidal working to remove over 350t of steelwork and replace with new using small, mobile cranes.
- Installing over 2km of greenheart 150mm x 300mm timber joists.
- Finishing off the installation with nearly 3,000 planks and 1.5km of decorative Broxap handrailing, to create a 650m long, 3.2m wide timber walkway.
- Relocate services and create new service ducts, installed with access hatches every 50m.
Challenges
- Working to a challenging programme.
- Wind, which prevented progress 40% of the time.
- Working over water and protecting the natural environment.
- Accommodating pier operations and maintaining safe public access.
Solutions
To achieve maximum self-delivery capabilities we worked through the night completing shifts around high and low tide.
Working in the elements, the largest risk was the weather, with wind preventing progress 40% of the time. Although this hindered the programme, the project was ultimately delivered four weeks ahead of contract completion.
Throughout demolition work, debris matting was placed below the working areas to ensure any material dropped during removal of the old steel beams, was safely caught. The discovery of lead paint on the existing steel had to be carefully mitigated.
We designed a temporary works access platform to mitigate the safety risk of working over water. We also avoided the need for scaffolding, which would be susceptible to the sea and weather.
We worked closely with Wightlink to preserve public safety while maintaining access to the pier and ferry.
Outcome
The project was completed four weeks ahead of programme just in time for the Isle of Wight Music Festival, which brings thousands of visitors to the island every year.
A designated walkway and segregated cycleway has been created, improving safety and creating a much improved environment for the public.
