VRS M8 Blackwater Viaduct Parapet

Lagan Operations and Maintenance have carried out numerous bridge parapet upgrade schemes on key infrastructure throughout Ireland. Recently we undertook the parapet upgrade on the M8 Blackwater Viaduct Bridge. The programme of works was 16 weeks and was completed on time and within client’s budget.

Works were completed on both the Northbound and Southbound Direction including an upgrade of the parapet and the approach and departure of the VRS of the M8 of over the River Blackwater.

Blackwater Viaduct Northbound:

• 109m of OBB barrier on approach with P1 terminal upgraded to H2W4 barrier with P4 terminal and H2 connection to new parapet.
• 515m of parapet H2W4 to be replaced by new parapet system.
• 8m gap in parapet run made of OBB barrier for services access. Upgrade to H2 barrier with connections both ends for H2 connection to new parapet
• 71m of OBB barrier on departure with P1 terminal upgraded to H2W4 barrier with P2 terminal and H2 connection to the new parapet system

Blackwater Viaduct Southbound:

• 71m of OBB on approach with P1 terminal upgraded to H2W4 barrier with P4 terminal and H2 connections to new parapet
• 512m of parapet H2W4 to be replaced by new parapet system
• 13m gap in parapet run made up of OBB barrier for services access upgraded to H2 barrier with connections at both ends to new parapet.
• 66m of OBB barrier on departure with P1 terminal upgraded to H2W4 barrier with P2 terminal and connection to new parapet.

Works carried out under a lane one closure with a Vario Guard in place for protection to the works zone. The scheme involved a 25m drop to the river Blackwater below therefore, K- Guard edge protection system was installed along the parapet to provide a safe working environment for the duration of the works. This ensured the works could be carried out in a safe and efficient manner.

Lagan Barrier Solutions specialist parapet crew carried out all works including the take down of the previous system. Works included coring for new anchor points for the new parapet posts. All lifting requirements for the new installation were completed by Lagan Barrier specialist plant.

All pull testing required was carried out by Lagan Barrier Solutions team members and approved witnessed by a charted engineer. All works were signed off by the client’s consultant engineer post works. The specialist works were completed without any defects. The project achieved a high level of quality feedback from the client throughout the duration of the works.