Charing Cross Railway Bridge Covers

A pair of bespoke specialised canvas services covers were used to help out in vital repairs to the Charing Cross railway bridge (otherwise known as Hungerford Bridge). The covers helped to create a secure platform for engineers to safely complete the required works. Above ground commuters and travellers were able to continue their days as usual, making the repairs an even greater success.

A state of the art support vessel for marine construction, repair and maintenance work was able to sit under the bridge whilst work was carried out. The craft, specially designed for these types of work, provides a safe and sturdy base for engineers to assess and begin the works.

The Problem

Charing Cross station has six platforms and 115 thousand visits pass through its gates daily (that’s a whopping 42million people a year!) and the bridge has existed in some form since 1864. The busy environment and desire to keep things running as normally as possible means the best way to complete any maintenance on the bridge is by the water. Enabling engineers to really see the roots of the problem and work continuously. Our covers were designed to surround the engineer’s platforms. These platforms had the ability to move up and down the pillars as repairs required and as tides changed. The aim of the covers was to protect the engineer’s and their equipment whilst working on the bridge’s problem pillars.

Feedback for the contractors working on the job was very positive – we are pleased to report! The bridge was successfully restored to proper working order following the work and our covers played their part in the repairs exactly how the client had planned. Really unusual one to be involved in and a big thank you to our client for the opportunity. To find out more on the job and to see how it was completed see below.