Temporary Works Design for Rail Bridge Replacement
Published: 27/10/2026 12:00
Richter supported Story Contracting with temporary works designs for the dismantling and replacement of a two-span railway bridge over the River Cherwell near Kings Sutton. The existing structure was replaced with a piled Network Rail standard E-Type bridge, requiring a range of temporary works solutions to enable construction while managing the constraints of the live railway and watercourse.
The installation of the pile caps for the replacement bridge presented a significant engineering challenge. Constructed at depth and in close proximity to the existing live railway, the excavations required an earth-retaining solution capable of supporting the adjacent track, allowing it to remain operational. These works were to be undertaken in advance of the main embargo for the bridge replacement.
Richter developed a sheet pile retaining solution, with particular consideration given to limiting deflection due to the proximity of the live railway. Sheet piles were installed on either side of the railway and tied together using Dywidag bars to minimise deflection. The temporary works arrangement also needed to accommodate a temporary fence at the top of the excavation to provide sufficient separation between the construction site and the live railway.
Owing to varying and unexpected ground conditions, the sheet piles refused above the required toe level, meaning the necessary embedment could not be achieved. Richter responded quickly by developing an anchored solution to provide additional restraint to the sheet pile wall, allowing it to remain stable despite the reduced pile embedment.
In addition to these challenges, the foundation works required a local diversion of the river away from the construction area.
Richter designed a temporary dam and diversion arrangement incorporating a fish filter/basket and buried pipework to manage the flow around the site. A Reno mattress was incorporated at the discharge point to dissipate flow energy and reduce the potential for erosion of the riverbank.
Other temporary works included additional earth-retaining structures, including king post retaining walls, to provide stability for the outriggers of a Kirow rail crane used to lift the old and new bridges.
Richter was able to fully support Story Contracting throughout the works and respond quickly when issues were identified on site. This was achieved through a thorough understanding of the site and the likely interactions between the permanent and temporary works. This enabled the necessary changes to be made quickly, maintaining the programme both before and during the site embargo.
