The detail

The A138 Chelmer Viaduct project, spanning the River Chelmer and flood plain, incorporated the construction of a new viaduct and the subsequent demolition of the existing structure. To minimise disruption, the original bridge continued to facilitate traffic during the 13-month project, which encompassed 402, 535 ‘man-hours’.

The vital transport link was highly commended by the ICE for ‘Technical Excellence’ with the viaduct structure consisting of weathering steel and concrete deck elliptical columns. The river bridge features weathering steel beams, a concrete arch and engraved stone inlay to improve aesthetics. Landscaping/planting was used to screen parts of the viaduct while the careful maintenance and restoration of wildlife habitats was prominent during construction.

A commitment to community engagement was exemplified in the establishment of a neutral community hub at Moulsham Mill and the collection of 104 tonnes of waste wood, creating two permanent jobs for local disadvantaged people in the process.