CASE STUDY

Keadby Sliding Bridge

SigTech Rail removed and refitted the four snap lock mechanisms over both tracks on the sliding bridge at Keadby.

The project will enable safe, smoother, and more reliable train services using the bridge for passengers for years to come.

SigTech Rail were pleased to be involved in the signal renewals at Keadby Sliding Bridge, as part of an extensive programme of engineering works undertaken by Network Rail.

The bridge at Keadby is the only sliding bridge in England and underwent nine days of essential work. It involved repairs to the North wall of the Stainforth & Keadby canal, new track equipment, bearers and rails.

The sliding bridge at Keadby was constructed in 1925 and the structure and much of the mechanism remains original.

The bridge is controlled by the signal cabin and is interlocked with the railway signalling system ensuring that the bridge cannot be opened unless rail traffic is prevented from crossing the bridge.

The main actuators of the bridge are a set of hydraulically driven lifting jacks, two sets of electrically driven wedges and an electrically driven winch haulage drive which operates through an open gearbox with a six foot diameter differential gear.

The impressive bridge is part of one of the busiest freight routes on the rail network alongside keeping rail passengers on the move between Doncaster and the Lincolnshire coast.

How did we help?

SigTech Rail was recommended by Network Rail to AmcoGiffen, the Principal Contractor leading the project and co-ordinating the various sub contractors.

The SigTech Rail team renewed four snap locks over both tracks across the bridge. We removed and re-fitted the locks to ensure a smooth operation for many years to come for the bridge.

The point machines on the tracks house the interlocking mechanisms that moves and locks the points, ensuring the track is in position. Importantly, the machines ensure the bridge isn’t opened unless rail traffic is prevented from going across the bridge.

All works by the SigTech team were carried out over duration of the core bridge refurbishment works.