Cadman Cranes assists with major Essex bridge lift

Balkerne Bridge, over Balkerne Hill in Colchester, Essex, was removed by engineers from Essex County Council on January 14 so a new wider bridge could be installed, allowing both cyclists and pedestrians to use it at the same time.

The road below the bridge was shut from 8pm on Saturday until 5am on Sunday, with a diversion route being put in place.

Cadman Cranes successfully installed the new footbridge spanning Balkerne Hill in Colchester during Saturday night. The bridge, weighing 30t, was designed and manufactured by specialist civil engineering company Topbond. It was lifted in using Cadman’s new 180 tonne all terrain mobile crane.

Essex County Councillor Kevin Bentley (Conservative, Stanway and Pyefleet) said it was another important scheme of infrastructure investment in Colchester by the county council.

“It took a bit longer than expected because of weather conditions but now it is done I am very proud of it.

“It is an improvement in terms of safety for residents and it is a very important link for all local people to the facilities of the town centre.”

He continued: “I used to live just opposite the other side of the bridge so I have used the bridge a lot over the years and I use it now.

“Many more people use the bridge today than when it was installed because more people live in Colchester today.

“I think the important thing is that people were already using it for both cycling and walking across but now it can be done more safely.”

Watch the timelapse footage of the new Balkerne Bridge being lowered into place below.