Built in the 1960s, the A465 Heads of the Valleys Road joins together the northern heads of the South Wales Valleys. In 2014, work began to convert the road into a dual carriageway requiring the construction of several new road bridges, footbridges and retaining walls.
Inertia Consulting were tasked with designing major temporary works for six weathering-steel footbridges spanning the section of the road between Gilwern and Brynmawr. The project included the design of the support structures and appropriate lifting methodology.
Due to the challenging logistics of the site location in the narrow Clydagh Gorge, our engineers spent 18 months designing temporary works that would enable the curved bridges to be constructed using temporary bespoke trestle towers and lifting systems.
The project required careful planning to protect the environment as the locations we were working in included conservation areas, World Heritage Sites, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and scheduled ancient monuments. Our environmental credentials, which include ISO 14001:2015 for Environmental Management, therefore came into play.
Ken Skates, Transport Secretary
In addition, the project team worked collaboratively to plan traffic management efficiently, so that disruption to road users could be minimised whilst ensuring their safety.
The project was completed successfully. Our innovative design approach and attention to detail meant that the temporary structures and lifting arrangements were suitable for the contractor’s highly restricted site and pedestrians now have safe access over the A465 in 6 strategic locations.
The project was completed successfully, and all six footbridges have now been installed. Our innovative design approach and attention to detail meant that the temporary structures and lifting arrangements were suitable for the contractor’s highly restricted site in the narrow Clydagh Gorge. Pedestrians now have safe access over the A465 in 6 strategic locations, including a local school, which will help to prevent accidents in the future.
The conversion of the Heads of the Valleys Road to a dual carriageway is still ongoing and should be completed by 2022.