Volvo Footbridge Restoration with a Highways Approved Coating
Specialist Painting Group worked with VolkerLaser, on behalf of Kier Highways, to restore the A404 Volvo Footbridge. The project involved removing the existing coating system and applying a specified, highways approved protective coating system to give the structure long lasting protection.
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About the Volvo Footbridge Project
The Volvo Footbridge project was based in Brentwood, Essex. The footbridge was removed from the A404 before the work began, and the six week project was completed by SPG on behalf of VolkerLaser in late 2019.
Removing the structure from the highway allowed the coating work to be carried out without traffic management on a live road, and under far more controlled conditions than would be possible on site.
Abrasive Blasting to Sa 2½
An abrasive blasting technique was used to remove the redundant coating, meeting the visual cleanliness standard of BS EN ISO 8501-1, Sa 2½. This grade, often described as very thorough blast cleaning, requires the steel to be free from visible oil, grease, dirt, mill scale, rust and old paint, with only slight staining remaining.
Abrasive blasting was chosen for its efficiency in preparing the whole structure for the new protective layer, and for its ability to achieve the required standard consistently. Learn more about our abrasive blast cleaning service.
Working Inside a Controlled Encapsulation
All the work was carried out within a controlled encapsulation, which maintained the right climatic conditions throughout the application process. Coating manufacturers set limits for temperature, humidity and dew point, and working inside an enclosure makes it possible to stay within them regardless of the weather outside.
The encapsulation also contained blast media and dust, protecting the surrounding environment and supporting the quality of the finished coating.
Meeting Highways Specifications
Highways England’s requirements for the protective coating were followed, in line with the Specification for Highway Works Series 1900, which covers the protection of steelwork against corrosion. Independent coating inspection was provided by Hampshire based Paint Inspection Ltd, giving the client assurance that each stage met the specification. Guidance for highway structures is published by Standards for Highways.
Find out more about our protective coatings and coating inspection services.
Protecting Highway Structures
Footbridges, gantries and bridges on the highway network are exposed to rain, road salt and traffic pollution. Well specified coating systems, applied to properly prepared steel, keep these structures safe and reduce the frequency of disruptive maintenance.
Planning a Coating Project
Every successful coating project starts with understanding the condition of the existing coating and the steel beneath it. A survey identifies where the coating has failed, how far corrosion has progressed and whether the old system can be overcoated or needs to be removed completely. That information shapes the choice of surface preparation method and the new coating specification.
SPG supports asset owners through each of these stages, from coating inspection and specification advice through to preparation and application. Projects such as the Volvo Footbridge show how the right plan, agreed at the outset, keeps work safe, efficient and on programme.
Choosing the Right Surface Preparation Method
No single surface preparation method suits every job. Abrasive blasting, UHP water jetting, mechanical preparation, CO2 blasting and RPR heat induction each have strengths depending on the substrate, the coating being removed and the environment around the work. On the Volvo Footbridge, the method was chosen to suit the structure and its setting. Assessing these factors early helps avoid delays and reduces risk once work begins. Where blasting is not practical, we can advise on alternatives such as RPR heat induction.
Why Choose SPG
Specialist Painting Group has delivered industrial coating projects since 1997. Our operatives are ICATS certified, and we hold RISQS, SafeContractor, ISO 9001, ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 accreditations, giving clients the competence, safety management and quality systems they expect from a specialist contractor.
Explore the sectors we work in, or contact us to discuss a highway structure.
