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Cudworth & West Green Bypass – M5 Bridge Beams
Cudworth & West Green Bypass – M5 Bridge Beams
Client:
Project Overview:
The Cudworth & West Green Bypass project was a transformative infrastructure scheme designed to ease traffic congestion, particularly from heavy goods vehicles, on the A628 through Cudworth, while also improving access to local employment sites. The ambitious programme included the construction of 5.2km of new single carriageway, five roundabouts, a rail bridge, a road bridge, three underpasses, nine box culverts, and major drainage, lighting, and signage works. The scheme was recognised with the Institution of Civil Engineers Yorkshire and Humber Centenary Award Certificate of Excellence in 2011.
The Client’s Challenge:
VHE Construction PLC was tasked with delivering a complex, multi-faceted bypass project that demanded not only technical excellence but also minimal disruption to both rail services and local communities. A key challenge was the installation of a 110-tonne, 22-metre rail bridge during a tightly scheduled 28-hour rail possession, ensuring the safe and swift placement of the bridge deck under demanding time constraints.
Solution:
ABM Precast Solutions partnered closely with VHE Construction PLC to manufacture and supply the critical precast bridge elements required for the bypass.
Our contribution included:
✅ 36 M5 Bridge Beams, engineered for strength and precision to support the new rail bridge structure
The beams were delivered and installed to a tight programme, supporting the rapid construction sequence. Offsite manufacture ensured quality and consistency, enabling fast installation and integration with the wider works.
The rail bridge was lifted into place by an 800-tonne Demag AC700 crane and, thanks to the seamless coordination between VHE and specialist rail subcontractors CML, the single span bridge deck was installed in just 30 minutes during the 28-hour possession window.
The Results:
The successful delivery of the Cudworth & West Green Bypass has significantly reduced traffic through Cudworth, particularly from heavy goods vehicles, and improved access for local businesses and communities.
The project’s innovative approach and engineering excellence were recognised with a prestigious regional award. The rapid and safe installation of the rail bridge, supported by ABM’s M5 Bridge Beams, stands as a testament to effective planning, partnership, and the value of high-quality precast solutions.
Key Takeaways:
This project highlights ABM’s capability to support large-scale, complex infrastructure schemes with robust, precision-engineered precast components. Close collaboration, technical expertise, and a focus on programme certainty enabled the successful delivery of a vital bypass that will serve the region for decades to come.