Temporary Works Design for Bridge Bearing Replacement
Published: 13/10/2026 12:55
Richter supported 3RS Engineering Limited providing a temporary works design to allow the replacement of the bearings to Coldham’s Lane footbridge in Cambridge.
The footbridge comprises four spans, including one spanning a railway line. Replacing the bearings required the bridge to be lifted and the loads safely supported throughout the works whilst maintaining the position and alignment of the structure.
A key engineering challenge was the significant loads that needed to be transferred through the temporary works during the bearing replacement operation. Richter designed temporary bearings to support the bridge on the existing abutments, providing an alternative load path while the permanent bearings were replaced.
Supporting the vertical loads formed only part of the temporary works requirement. With the bearing arrangement temporarily altered, the bridge also required restraint to maintain its alignment during the works. Drawing on experiences from other projects Richter developed bespoke longitudinal and lateral restraint systems using structural steel sections to control movement and provide stability during the bearing replacement sequence.
The railway interface introduced an additional consideration to the temporary works design. The works required coordination with Network Rail requirements. As such Richter produced a Network Rail Form C submission which is a requirement for works undertaken in close proximity to railway infrastructure.
A very successful project with Richter working hand in glove with the client.
