STURRY LINK ROAD | EPISODE 30 | CLAY | COLUMNS | BREAKOUT

A huge week of change across the Sturry Link Road project. Episode 30 follows progress right across the scheme, from the first puddle clay going into the southern attenuation pond to major structural progress on the bridge itself. At Pier 4, the structure begins rising dramatically above the cofferdam as two tall reinforced column starters take shape. Pier 3 continues moving towards its pile cap reinforcement stage, while Pier 2 gives us another useful glimpse of how the future viaduct alignment is beginning to come together. At the North Abutment, Volker Ground Engineering complete the sheet piling operation. The finished arrangement contains 120 individual sheet piles, with 80 eight metre sheets forming the main cofferdam and a further 40 five metre sheets forming the two separate wing wall sections. We also follow another concrete pour at the South Abutment, forming the front wall and bearing shelf, including the two reinforced bearing plinths that will eventually support the bridge bearings. Elsewhere this week, kerbstones begin defining both sides of the southern approach, new drainage headwalls appear beside the River Stour, ecology teams safely relocate a slow worm, and the attenuation pond changes considerably as excavation and puddle clay lining continue. And at Pier 1, things become particularly interesting. After several quieter weeks, the existing slab is broken out, the cofferdam begins to be reinstated and further foundation work appears to be approaching. We also take a look from above after the barriers at Sturry level crossing became stuck down, showing just how quickly congestion spread across the surrounding road network. Then, as always, we finish with a low flight across the full project to see just how much has changed in seven days. Filmed independently throughout the construction of the Sturry Link Road project. If you're enjoying following the build, subscribe and turn notifications on so you don't miss the next episode. #infrastructure #canterbury #construction #civilengineering #bridgeconstruction