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Removal of Thorp Bridge is the latest link in the Evaporator D project
As preparations get underway for the arrival of the modules required for the largest nuclear build project in the UK - The Evaporator D construction project, the temporary removal of the iconic Thermal Oxide Reprocessing Plant (Thorp) link bridge has been completed.
The Thorp Link Bridge was erected in the mid/late 1990’s to provide an enclosed elevated pedestrian access route between the existing Thorp Management Centre and changing rooms in the Thorp plant building.
Each of the prefabricated modules - ranging from 60 to 500 tonnes in weight will need to be transported from the holding area to the construction site, requiring access along the road to which the link bridge is situated.
The final phase of the Thorp link bridge removal project -lifting of the 34.5 metres de-glazed bridge section, was successfully completed last weekend. This work was carried out by main contractors Impwoods (deglazing), Mammoet, (heavy lift specialists) and Costain (Evaporator D main contractor).
Using two 200 tonnes cranes, Mammoet lifted the 55 tonnes bridge section, equivalent to just over the length of three double decker buses, from its position above one of the main roads on the Sellafield site, rotated the section through 90 degrees and then lowered the link bridge onto Self Propelled Moduler Transporters.
The link bridge section has now been relocated to a temporary storage area south of the site’s Thorp to an area on the Sellafield railway sidings.
Waterproofing of the remaining section of the bridge still in situ, along with the section removed over the weekend, is planned as part of the final phase of the project.
For more information on the Evaporator D project click here.
