Cable-Stayed Swing Bridge, Royal Docks, London
Connaught Road Bridge
Qualter Hall was awarded the M&E contract with London’s Royal Docks for the design, manufacture, delivery, site installation and commissioning of a complex replacement and refurbishment of the electrical control system for the Connaught Road Swing Bridge which links London City Airport and ExCel London.
The Connaught Road Bridge is a cable stayed swing bridge which carries a two-lane dual carriageway over a narrow stretch of the docks connecting the Royal Victoria Dock to the Royal Albert Dock.
Sleeved cable stays extend from a control tower on the bridge. This section of the structure can be rotated through 90 degrees to allow the passage of ships.
What work was done by Qualter Hall on the Connaught Road Bridge?
The Electrical Systems scope of work included:
- Supply of road bridge control system including new control panels / MCC in the underground machinery room, bridge main pier and control tower.
- Electrical Installation for new control system and domestic services in underground machinery room (sockets/lighting).
- New auto changeover system to manage the transfer of power between the mains electrical supply and the existing standby generator supply.
- New fire response, security (incl. CCTV), gas monitoring and public address systems.
- New LED navigation lights and external floodlights and re-integration of Wig Wags/Barriers/Matrix Signs.
Refurbishment works in the Underground Machinery Room:
- Refurbishment of the Hydraulic systems and HPU; and replacement of equipment required for the Hydraulic equipment to re-enter service.
- Supply and install of a new sump pump.
- Replacement of ventilation system ductwork and fans.
Equipment associated with the Bridge’s Main Pier
- Replace the main pier bearing auto lubrication system and replace all hydraulic flexible hoses.
- Inspect and pressure test the hydraulic pipework, clean and internally re-pain the bridge main pier and inspect and clean the drainage system.
Refurbishment of Underground Services:
- Exposing the existing pipework between the underground machinery room and bridge main pier.
- Inspect and Pressure Test the Hydraulic pipework after any remedial works and make good civil works.



