Levelling & load measuring system for Wigis Bridge, Manchester Ship Canal

2 March 2022

Scope

The modern draw bridge over the Ship Canal at Barton, Manchester is lifted by four heavy-duty column mounted winches. Our team was consulted by the bridge operator to design a new levelling and load measuring system for the winch wires.

Solution

Our newly designed system was approved and installed, including a complete rope replacement, new purpose designed and manufactured levelling turnbuckles and new wireless load-measuring pins.

Result

Installations were completed on time, with up to 10 engineers working around planned road closures.

The original bridge, designed and installed by others, had suffered a catastrophic failure due to the absence of a load-levelling and load monitoring system of the four winch wires. Adding these safety features to an existing design was a challenge but the facility we have at Rossendale Group, including a technical design office, fabrications and machine shop and skilled installation and test engineers, made it a job we could cope with.”

Jason Siner | Technical Sales Manager, Rossendale Group