M1-A1 Link Road
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Sharpe Lane Bridge
Contents
1 Introduction
2 Background
3 Construction, Structures
4 Dolphin Lane Footbridge
5 Lofthouse Interchange
6 Lofthouse Interchange
7 Thorpe Lower Lane Bridges
8 Sharpe Lane, Aire Valley
9 Newsam Green, Drainage
This bridge was required to replace the existing structure carrying Sharpe Lane over the M1 which was too narrow to accommodate the proposed widening. The road and footpaths had to remain open throughout construction (with the exception of some short closures), and the new bridge had to be constructed on the same line as the old bridge. Therefore it was originally proposed to construct a temporary bridge alongside the existing structure which traffic would be diverted onto during demolition of the old bridge and construction of the new bridge.
However, the cost of installing, maintaining and dismantling a temporary structure proved to be so high that it was cheaper to construct the deck of the new bridge on temporary supports to the north, divert traffic onto this deck while demolition and construction of the new supports took place and then slide this new deck into position during a closure of the motorway underneath. The slide took place on 31st May 1998.
Sharpe Lane Bridge before the slide took place...
...and after the slide took place.
Aire Valley Viaduct
The largest structure on the scheme is the Aire Valley Viaduct, at 250 metres long. It carries the M1 over the River Aire and the Aire and Calder Navigation canal. The viaduct is a five span steel beam structure with a composite concrete deck. The structure contains approximately 4000 tonnes of structural steelwork, and with beams 3.5m in depth weighing up to 150 tonnes. Some of the largest mobile cranes in the country were used to lift them into place across the waterways: the largest was capable of lifting up to 1200 tonnes.
One set of beams in place from the abutments to the south piers.
The main span beams in place, as seen from below.
The Leibherr 1200t crane supplied by Baldwins for lifting the beams.
Another view during construction.
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