Skull & Crossbones Bridge and Unstone Station form a key transport link in Derbyshire, carrying road traffic over the Midland Mainline Railway while supporting local rail services. The reinforced concrete bridge, with elements such as cantilevers, columns, and deck systems, operates within a constrained, live environment where reliability is essential to regional connectivity.
Services Undertaken
- Concrete repairs to cantilevers and columns
- Installation of cathodic protection systems and sacrificial anodes
- Bridge deck waterproofing using Matacryl WPM
- Deck resurfacing
- Replacement of expansion joints
- Installation of drainage and service ducting
- Carriageway and footpath surfacing
- Application of anti-skid coatings and new white lining
- Removal of existing soffit concrete coating
- Protection of concrete and structural steel elements
CRL delivered a comprehensive programme of structural repairs and refurbishment works, combining specialist techniques with efficient construction methodologies. At Skull & Crossbones Bridge, concrete repairs were undertaken to cantilever sections and columns, addressing deterioration through the removal of defective material and reinstatement using appropriate repair systems. A discrete cathodic protection system was installed within half joints, supplemented by sacrificial anodes across the wider structure to mitigate ongoing corrosion risk and protect embedded reinforcement.
The bridge deck underwent full resurfacing and waterproofing, with approximately 850 m² treated in two phases using the Matacryl WPM system. This cold spray-applied waterproofing membrane was installed to a dry film thickness of 2 mm, offering rapid curing and rain resistance within 30 minutes, which proved advantageous in maintaining programme efficiency and minimising weather-related delays. Expansion joints were replaced to accommodate structural movement, and new drainage systems and service ducting were installed to improve water management and functionality.
Carriageway and footpath surfacing works were completed alongside the application of anti-skid coatings and new road markings to enhance safety. At Unstone Station, the existing soffit concrete coating was removed, followed by protection works to both concrete and structural steel elements. All activities were carefully coordinated within Network Rail possessions under COSS supervision, ensuring safe working adjacent to live rail infrastructure. CRL’s integrated approach reflects its expertise in concrete repairs and structural repairs UK, delivering technically robust solutions across complex bridge assets.
"Delivering this scheme demanded careful coordination between road and rail constraints, and I’m proud of how the team managed that challenge. By combining targeted concrete repairs with cathodic protection and efficient waterproofing systems, we’ve significantly enhanced the durability and performance of the structure. It’s a strong example of how CRL approaches complex infrastructure projects with practical engineering solutions and a clear focus on long-term asset management."
Contracts Manager | CRL
The incorporation of cathodic protection systems within half joints, combined with sacrificial anodes across the structure, provides long-term corrosion control and significantly reduces the risk of reinforcement degradation. The Matacryl WPM waterproofing system forms a durable, seamless barrier that protects the deck from water ingress and chloride attack, enhancing resilience under heavy traffic loading and environmental exposure. Replacement expansion joints and improved drainage further reduce water-related deterioration.
Careful surface preparation and the application of protective treatments to concrete and steel elements ensure optimal adhesion and extended performance. These measures collectively reduce future maintenance requirements and support long-term asset management strategies. CRL’s approach delivers enhanced durability, improved safety, and extended service life, ensuring the bridge remains a reliable component of the transport network.
