06. Aug 2024
Fibre-reinforced Foamed Urethane (FFU) timbers for London’s Barnes Bridge
Barnes Railway Bridge (London, UK), a bridge that crosses the River Thames in a northwest to southeast direction, needed a repair with the replacement of all 48 wooden wheel timbers with Fibre-reinforced Foamed Urethane (FFU) alternatives.
Barnes Railway Bridge (London, UK), a 129 years old bridge that crosses the River Thames in a northwest to southeast direction, needed a repair that was now completed after 6 days of closure.
During the closure, Network Rail’s engineers replaced all 48 wooden wheel timbers, which are the long blocks that support the tracks across the bridge with a more sustainable, weather resistant material: Fibre-reinforced Foamed Urethane (FFU). These new wheel timbers, which were produced from recycled material, have an extended lifespan of 50 years, are more durable and require less maintenance.
Engineers also strengthened the spans of the Grade II listed bridge, working underneath on scaffold platforms. Those workers under the bridge on the scaffold had to work in confined conditions.
During these works, in accordance with ancient tradition and the Port of London Thames Byelaws, a bale of hay was hung from Barnes Bridge to notify maritime traffic of the reduced height of the bridge, as well as a white light at night.
New baseplates, which connect the tracks to the sleepers, were also installed and the alignment of the tracks approaching and leaving the bridge were improved. During this period, 1.4km of third rail – the electrified rail that powers trains – was also renewed between Chiswick and Kew Junction, while the road bridge over the railway on Great Chertsey Road was also strengthened.
Mark Smith, Network Rail project manager, said: “I’d like to thank passengers for their patience throughout these works, which were critical for the continued safe and reliable running of the railway over Barnes Bridge.
“These works were incredibly complex and our engineers had to work in difficult conditions because of the heatwave, plus the really confined space under the bridge.
“I’d like to pay tribute to everyone who contributed to this project to get it delivered on time for the benefit of our passengers.”
An SWR spokesperson said: “This programme of vital and complex maintenance will ensure that our trains can safely run across Barnes Bridge long into the future. This is an extremely busy part of our suburban network and we’re very thankful for our customers’ patience over the last week.”