Balvac delivered critical concrete repair and impressed current cathodic protection to the M6 Peover Bridge near Northwich, as part of National Highways (Area 10) Construction Works Framework
Following a routine inspection and assessment, it was concluded the three-span M6 Peover Bridge, which carries the M6 motorway over a local watercourse, required extensive concrete repairs due to delamination caused by leaking road joints and undermining of bearings. The extent of defects was such that the structure had an embargo placed on it for abnormal loads.
Balvac worked collaboratively with National Highways to ensure buildability and to develop the design and implementation of temporary access and phased concrete repairs, which included temporary support of the deck by means of flat jacks. The repaired structure was protected against further deterioration by installation and commissioning of an impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) system.
value
lifted two months early
weeks of delivery
Successfully delivering structural repair
Through the strong collaborative relationship built with National Highways, we provided innovative solutions for access to the structure, which included extensive scaffold boardwalks to the piers, and a temporary steelwork system and subframes fixed to the structure itself.
The concrete repairs were strictly phased to prevent overbreak of the structure, which would further compromise its capacity. This phasing included repairs to both sides of each bearing so that jacks could be installed on the bearing shelf to take the deck weight when removing concrete beneath bearings. This approach meant the motorway remained open throughout the works without the need to impose any temporary lane closures.
Concrete repairs were completed in October 2023, allowing the National Highways abnormal load embargo to be removed two months earlier than planned.
The project was named 2024 Project of the Year by the Corrosion Prevention Association and was Highly Commended as 2024 Project of the Year by the Concrete Repair Association and Highly Commended in the Concrete Society Awards 2024 Repair and Refurbishment Category.
The ICCP system comprised of surface-mounted mesh and overlay to both the crossbeams and the top metre of columns. The concrete surface was prepared using hydro demolition and a 25mm layer of sprayed concrete was applied to protect the new system.