Providing vital access during Crossrail expansion

As part of the Crossrail West Outer Track Infrastructure Works, Network Rail delivered a new rail bridge at Stoke Poges to support electrification and improve services across London and the South East. The original Horlicks Bridge was too low for overhead electrification and required replacement, while maintaining existing rail operations during construction.

Project Overview

The Challenge

Crossrail West Outer Works

The scheme formed part of the wider Crossrail West Outer Track Infrastructure Works, requiring the replacement of Horlicks Bridge at Stoke Poges to enable electrification upgrades and support increased rail capacity on the route.

Maintaining rail operations

The existing bridge could not accommodate overhead electrification, making replacement essential. A temporary solution was required to keep rail services running safely and without disruption throughout the construction phase.

Working within tight constraints

Delivered within a live railway environment, the project site offered minimal space for assembly and installation. This required precise planning, sequencing and coordination to ensure safe and efficient delivery.

Our Solution

We delivered a 50m temporary bridge using the Mabey Universal Vehicle Bridge system in a reinforced box configuration, enabling uninterrupted rail operations throughout the works.

The solution comprised an 11-bay modular structure with a 2.4m wide working platform designed for a 5kN/m load plus pedestrian access. It was supported on two Mat 125 towers, with significant off-site pre-assembly to reduce installation time and minimise disruption in a constrained rail environment.

Installation and delivery

The bridge was installed using a 750Te crane and lifted into position over a live four-track railway during a tightly controlled possession window of less than three hours.

Engineering design focused on controlling deflection and maintaining strict tolerances to protect sensitive services running across the structure. Careful planning and sequencing ensured safe delivery within the restricted site conditions and operational railway constraints.

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