A50 BRIDGE DEVELOPMENT, UTTOXETER

LECA® LWA was recently specified for a new bridge development on the A50 in Uttoxeter. This project has been carried out by Carillion and project managed by Amey as part of the Infrastructure + strategic partnership. The work began for this ambitious infrastructural design change in June 2016.

This project was designed to deliver a grade-separated junction on the A50 to the West of Uttoxeter and will create much needed improvements in access for residents and workers to the south of the A50. Furthermore, providing improvements in access to the new JCB factory, which employs 100’s of workers in the surrounding area.

The investment in the A50 Growth Corridor aims, to:

1.   Create around 7,500 jobs along the A50 corridor
2.   Provide ease in congestion and to reduce journey times for an estimated 37,000 vehicles a day.
3.   Provide a stimulant for the development of 1,800 homes around Uttoxeter.
4.   Major improvements in road safety
5. Link traffic to 'safer, better' junctions designed to ease congestion.

FACTS

Amount of material: 7000m3

Interesting Fact: At the point of the deck being lifted, LECA® LWA was installed into the base of both abutments and was placed against the Bridge abutment after the bridge deck was installed.

Delivery Method: Arctic Tippers

Overview of Project

LECA® LWA was selected as a material for the design and construction of the bridge as it can fundamentally decrease earth pressure. Due to its lightness the vertical earth pressure impacting the structure is up to 75% lower than traditional natural rock fill. LECA® LWA provided a cost efficient solution as a backfill for this project, allowing for lower earth pressure thus optimising the dimensioning of supporting the bridge structure.

The installation of LECA® LWA was placed at both sides of the bridge. At the point of the deck being lifted, LECA® LWA was installed into the base of both abutments and was placed against the Bridge abutment after the bridge deck was installed. The project required over 7000m3 of LECA® LWA to be quickly installed using arctic tippers. The lightweight properties of LECA® LWA provided a crucial element for the project - allowing the project to be completed according to the planned schedule, minimising the impact on the delicate ground conditions in the surrounding area and provided cost savings through the lighter transport requirements and reduced resources required for the installation.