Temporary works specialist, Altrad RMD Kwikform (Altrad RMDK), provided a comprehensive temporary works solution for Salford Rise, a new 220-metre pedestrian link delivered by Kilmartin Ltd in partnership with Wright Civil Engineering Ltd. As part of Salford’s wider regeneration programme, the bridge improves connectivity across the area.
Project overview
Salford Rise comprises a central span formed from precast U-beams supported on three reinforced concrete piers reaching up to 7.5 meters high. The bridge’s 27-degree skew and varying deck profile required careful temporary works planning to ensure accurate positioning of pre-cast units, safe access for installation and ongoing structural stability during construction.
Altrad RMDK was tasked with designing and supplying all the temporary works systems for both the primary U-beams and the precast edge string courses. Close coordination with the contractor, Kilmartin Ltd, was essential to align the temporary works with the construction sequence and programme.
The challenge
The bridges angled alignment introduced a risk of lateral movement during installation, particularly before the stitch pours achieved continuity between beams. The variable deck heights required the temporary support to adapt along the length of the bridge, providing consistent working platforms and maintaining precise tolerances for both alignment and level.
Additional challenges included supporting heavy precast units at varying heights while maintaining overall stability, providing safe and efficient access for lifting and installation operations, and ensuring that the temporary works could accommodate programme constraints without compromising construction safety or increasing project risk.
The solution
Altrad RMDK engineered a two-phase temporary works solution that combined high load capacity with adaptability for the bridge’s complex geometry. Megashor towers were used in the first phase to support the precast U-beams; their modular design, adjustable head arrangements, and high load capacity allowed them to accommodate the varying deck heights and skewed alignment.
To address the 27-degree skew of the bridge, rubber pads were installed between the beam supports, to prevent any slippage under load pressure and to ensure the precast units remained secure during the installation and subsequent stitch pours.
Once the stitch pours had fully cured, the second phase involved Megashor being stripped out and replaced with Rapidshor to support the precast string courses along the edge of the bridge. Rapidshor’s modular design enabled the upper sections to remain consistent while the lower sections were extended to match the required height variations. This configuration simplified assembly and improved efficiency whilst maintaining precise alignment along the full length of the bridge.
Throughout the project, Altrad RMDK maintained close communication with Kilmartin Ltd and Wright Civil Engineering Ltd’s engineers and site teams. Regular design reviews planned site inspections and open communication ensured that the temporary works were installed safely and in line with the construction programme. Early engagement and the existing relationship ensured that the teams had clear understanding of processes and quality expectations, and this mutual trust helped to streamline operations and maintain efficiency.
Dermot Donelon, Senior Sales Representative at Altrad RMD Kwikform said: “The 27-degree incline and changing bridge level made this an engineering challenge, but the modular design of our equipment allowed us to adapt quickly and aid the construction of this new transport link.”
Liam Kilmartin, Managing Director at Kilmartin Ltd, said: “Having worked with Altrad RMDK before, we already had a lot of trust there. We know what their kit can do and put trust into the engineering excellence of the team. The collaboration between our teams made this project successful as open communication allowed for a smoother and more efficient delivery of the project.”
For more on Altrad RMD Kwikform, please visit www.rmdkwikform.com.
