One of the UK's leading hot dip galvanizing companies has played its part in a major construction project to refurbish an iconic railway bridge in Hull.

Heywood-based Manchester Galvanizing, one of 14 Wedge Group Galvanizing plants UK-wide, has teamed up with Harrisons Engineering to provide its hot dip galvanizing treatment to 25 tonnes of structural steel used to strengthen and refurbish the Hull and Barnsley railway bridge.

The upgrade of the bridge was commissioned by Network Rail and carried out by main contractor Story Contracting, and was vital to ensure the railway track remained operational for its current capacity, as well as provide future opportunities for additional height clearance and electrification of the line.


Russell Pinder, Project Manager at Harrisons Engineering, explained: "Using galvanizing as part of the project was really important because it requires no ongoing maintenance and provides protection for up to 60 years, even in harsh outdoor environments such as this. Due to the time constraints of such a detailed project, galvanizing was the natural choice, as painting would have been impossible to complete in time without undertaking major reworks to the protective coatings."

The project saw new saddle arrangements installed to hold long timber frames and new railway lines in place, while galvanized walkway support channels and angle irons were fitted to support the new GRP track inspection walkways.

Mark Waters, Commercial Manager at Manchester Galvanizing, commented: "We're delighted to have played a part in this project which is of huge importance to local commuters and rail staff, and look forward to working with Harrisons Engineering in the months and years to come."

Wedge Group Galvanizing is the largest hot-dip galvanizing organisation in the UK with a history dating back over 150 years. With 14 plants strategically placed across the country, the firm offers a truly national galvanizing service.

(CD/IT)