Ocean Bridge diet plan
Ocean Bridge diet plan 24th Feb
by: Andy P.
Apparently the swing bridge has always been very difficult and a long winding affair. Several plans have been discussed with one in particular coming out as favourite. This was to take out some of the weights from the back end of the bridge so that it would be easier to move.
Having previously looked underneath the bridge, some long weights were found, which were not on the drawings. The side cover plates had previously been undone, so it would be an easy job to take them off. How we maintain such optimistic belief can be astounding.
In full waterproof gear and a howling gale we pushed, pulled, heaved and unscrewed hidden bolts until the plates slipped out. The long thin weights were lifted by 2 people and put to one side.
Optimism returned as we bounced on the other end of the bridge to see it there was any difference. None what so ever. Therefore, the road cover plate was unscrewed and unbolted and the heavy lump pulled to one side.
The weights were now revealed, so we set about trying to lift these out. They were much more substantial lumps of metal. With the help of Severn Trent folks and their crow and wrecking bars each layer was lifted. 3 people were not able to lift them but were walked out of the way.
A substantial girder was collected from the depot and cut to size. This was fitted into the gap to support the road plate. Lots of screwing back together and 4 (Bob, AndyP, Maurice and Mathew) very tired, cold, wet and hungry returned for a very late lunch and to figure out how to return the really heavy weights to the depot. Not really sure how much difference we made in the end, but half the weight has been removed.
