Luton DART bridge installed ahead of schedule

A joint venture between the two construction companies VolkerFitzpatrick and Kier saw to the installation of an 80m long, 1,000 tonne curved bridge as a component of the Luton DART fast transit system, with completion achieved ten hours ahead of schedule.

The Luton DART shuttle will be responsible for the transportation of people between the London Luton Airport and Luton Airport Parkway Railway Station, extending over the top of the A1081 dual carriageway, and was constructed at an offsite location before being moved and installed using self-propelled modular transporters.

The Project Director at the Luton DART, Phil Hobson stated: “This was an especially challenging project milestone to reach and required a huge collaborative effort between all parties. The team worked incredibly well together to successfully install the bridge.

“Every aspect of the installation was specialised and complex. From setting up the temporary ramps to moving the bridge, which took us over two hours. Each operation over the weekend was expertly planned and we are really pleased to have reached this vital point in construction of the project.”

The LLAL Programme Delivery Director, Ciaran Scanlon added: “This has been an exciting achievement and a hugely significant milestone in the delivery of the innovative DART scheme. The whole project has been full of engineering challenges and to move an object of this size ranks as one of the biggest. To see such a large object calmly trundle down the A1081 under complete control was a great testimony to both the vision of the project and the technical expertise of our contractor, VolkerFitzpatrick-Kier (VFK).

“We appreciate that many people will have been affected by the road closures needed to allow for this move and thank everyone for their support, patience and understanding.”

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