Client

National Highways

Value

£1.5M

Sectors & Services

Highway Structures Concrete Repair ECI (Early Contractor Involvement) Projects Projects

In early 2024, CRL was awarded the contract to restore the Mutton Lane Bridge over the M180, a vital route connecting Beltoft and Derrythorpe.

The bridge had sustained severe damage following a lorry strike that compromised one of its beams, posing a significant risk to the flow of cargo and commuter traffic. The project was commissioned to restore structural integrity, ensure long-term durability, and minimise disruption to the busy motorway.

CRL undertook the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) phase in January 2024, collaborating closely with National Highways to plan road closures, select specialist subcontractors, and sequence works effectively. Community engagement and safety were prioritised throughout, reflecting the bridge’s strategic significance within the West Midlands transport network.

Services Undertaken

  • Detailed surveys and structural assessment of the damaged bridge
  • Demolition and removal of the compromised beam
  • Installation of a 42-ton replacement beam, including crane lifting and structural reinforcement
  • Additional structural repairs to prevent further deterioration
  • Parapet installation
  • Bridge deck waterproofing
  • Tarmacking and white-lining of the carriageway
  • Traffic management, including lane reductions and road closures
  • Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) planning and scheduling
  • Community engagement and coordination with local stakeholders
Tailored tools
for every job

The restoration involved the complete removal of the damaged beam, following detailed surveys and design validation by AES to ensure safety and compliance with structural standards. CRL prepared the site by implementing a lane reduction and closing Lane 1 of the M180 to create a secure working zone, while coordinating with local stakeholders to maintain uninterrupted access for nearby residents and businesses. A 42-ton replacement beam was delivered and lifted into position using a crane provided by Ainscough. Once installed, the beam was reinforced and integrated with the existing bridge structure to restore full load-bearing capacity.

Additional structural repairs were undertaken to prevent further deterioration, addressing potential corrosion and ensuring long-term stability. Subcontractor Versco fitted a new parapet, enhancing both safety and visual integrity. Waterproofing of the bridge deck was carried out, followed by tarmacking and white-lining to restore the carriageway to national speed limit standards. CRL maintained rigorous traffic management, community liaison, and environmental control throughout, demonstrating expertise in concrete repairs, structural repairs UK, and asset management. The project was executed with meticulous planning, combining modern engineering techniques with practical solutions to minimise disruption while achieving a safe and resilient outcome.


"Thank you all once again for what has turned out to be a very successful project that has highlighted how a collaborative working ethic can achieve great results, especially in the face of the challenges which have been overcome."

Project Manager | Operations | National Highways

The restoration works incorporated long-term preservation measures to maximise the bridge’s service life. Structural repairs and the reinforced replacement beam ensure continued load-bearing capacity, while waterproofing and tarmacking protect the deck against water ingress and corrosion.

Parapet replacement and white-lining provide both functional and safety enhancements, reducing the need for future maintenance. Surface preparation and robust protective measures were carefully applied to ensure optimal adhesion and durability of all treatments.

These interventions collectively extend the lifespan of the bridge, improve resilience under high traffic volumes, and support National Highways’ asset management objectives, safeguarding a critical transport link for decades to come.

Protection beyond
the repair