England’s motorway network has its first ‘plastic’ road bridge, following the installation of a new, lightweight structure over the M6 in Lancashire.
The innovative fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) bridge replaced a 40-year-old farm access bridge at Mount Pleasant near Garstang in a £2M project. Two FRP footbridges have been built on the trunk network in the last four years. This structure is designed for vehicles up to 40t. It is two-thirds the weight of a conventional concrete bridge, has a superior strength-weight ratio, and cuts installation time and costs.
Although 5% more expensive overall, the Highways Agency said the premium would be offset by its non-corrosive properties and reductions in future maintenance. It expects the cost of FRP materials to fall as more are commissioned. The new bridge’s performance will inform a review of HA design standards. Demolition and installation was carried out over four weekend closures.
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