Glan Y Wern Overbridge: Timber Acoustic Panels

This scheme was one of our most puzzling challenges. We were asked by Conwy County Borough Council to replace three damaged timber acoustic panels adjacent to the A55 that were suspended above a busy road. The scheme had to be completed at night, within a limited budget and without affecting the traffic on the A55 – all this without compromising the safety of the men on site and passing motorists.

We had devised a method of lifting the panels up from ground level using our wagon and HIAB. We had the method statement, risk assessment and lifting plan approved by the client prior to attending site. Our first evening was going well, until after removing the old panels we found that the aluminium support had been previously repaired but not to a very good standard. We felt that it was not safe to clad the supports with the timbers as the repair did not look strong enough.

We contacted the client and they agreed the best solution was to organize for a certified welder to come to site the following evening to undertake the repairs. All went to plan with no disturbance to the road users and locals living nearby.