Water Street Bridge
Qualter Hall was awarded the contract by Canary Wharf Contractors (CWCL) for the MEICA design and fabrication of this single leaf Bascule Bridge (formerly known as ‘Montgomery Bridge’). Our scope included the fabrication of its MEICA substructure, the supply, testing and installation of its mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and control systems, final installation as part of a collaborative contractor team, and on-site commissioning.
Designed by Knight Architects in partnership with COWI, Water Street Bridge is located in the Canary Wharf district of London, providing vehicular/pedestrian access across the Bellmouth Passage from Montgomery Street to Water Street (Wood Wharf District). The bridge has a 30 meter span, 15 meter width, weighs approximately 200 tonnes and lifts to allow the passage of marine craft.
The bridge is operated by 2 x hydraulic cylinders mounted within a concrete pit below the structure. These extend to elevate the deck to 64°, adequate clearance for vessels passing into Water Square.
The electric panels and HPU (Hydraulic Power Unit) are located within a dedicated plantroom, whilst the operator’s panel is fitted within an architectural stainless steel totem mounted beside the bridge (also housing traffic lights and barriers.)
What work was done by Qualter Hall on Water Street Bridge?
- Our team fabricated the bridge's MEICA substructure in our Barnsley workshop using S355 grade steel. After welding, it was machined to allow fitting of mechanical equipment including pivot shafts, nose bearings and nose locks.
- The complete substructure was painted in our dedicated paint workshop, with a C5M system suitable for its marine environment.
- Our team fitted the mechanical equipment to the bridge, including the Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU) and electrics, and conducted comprehensive Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) before delivery to site.
- Our team supported the installation of the bridge and completed Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) and training of the client's on-site operatives, prior to client sign-off.
The electrical package fitted to the bridge by Qualter Hall includes control panels with PLC kit (Programmable Logic Controller), operators panel, switches, encoders, traffic lights, wigwags, barriers, navigation lights and cabling.
The Water Street Bridge was recognized for its outstanding contribution to structural engineering with the 2019 IStructE South Eastern Regional Award.
