Project summary

As part of Network Rail’s overall £78m investment in key asset maintenance, we delivered crucial upgrades to South East London’s rail network. Essential bridge replacements and supplementary works were completed under abnormal track possessions at Bellenden Road Underbridge (Southwark) and Westdown Road Underbridge (Lewisham).

Both projects involved the replacement and reinstatement of two underbridges within a restricted 72-hour rail possession. The bridges carry National Rail, London Overground and Thameslink commuter services, as
well as providing a busy thoroughfare for railway freight services.

The detail

Both projects centred on the replacement and reinstatement of two underbridges within a restricted 72-hour rail possession. As part of the Bellenden Road Underbridge upgrade, our team replaced the existing 12m single span deck with two new Network Rail standard U decks, which weighed 68t each.

The Westdown Road Underbridge project also involved the replacement of the existing 12.5m bridge with two new Network Rail standard U decks and included the replacement of new station platforms at Catford Station.

Each project featured propping to restrain the existing vaulted arch abutments from potential overturning, the removal of tracks and ballast, the demolition of the existing bridge and the installation of the new superstructure decks. New pre-cast concrete cill slabs were placed at each location. Additionally, the reinstatement and tamping of the tracks were completed before reopening to rail traffic.