Bell Lane Creek - Wandsworth

Another job with limited access was completed with ease using our spider crane, modular pontoons and a safety boat.

Urgent repairs were needed to a fracture in a padstone of a brick-built rail bridge over Bell Lane Creek in Wandsworth, south west London. The creek forms part of the River Wandle as it enters the Thames and is subject to a tidal range of over five metres.

Access was through a new hi-rise residential development where our team were able to mobilise alongside the creek. Arriving at low water there was a window of opportunity to construct the modular pontoon and attach our workboat, collect the works detail and use the rising tide to access the repair site. Our Jekko SPX532 was the perfect tool to complete this task. Being in a residential area the Jekko’s hybrid power system meant minimal noise and emissions disrupting the local residents. With a lifting capacity of over 3000kg and an 80 metre winch cable we were easily able to lower our safety boat and the modular pontoon slabs down the quay wall to the river below. Using an existing ladder with our fall arrest and safety harnesses our crew members climbed down to start assembling the pontoon work platform.

Once assembled, the required tools, materials and lightweight aluminium access tower were lowered down followed by the repair team. The workboat pushed the pontoon against the bridge structure keeping it secure whilst repairs were carried out.

Once completed the pontoon and workboat were recovered using the crane, packed down and loaded on to trailers. The Jekko Spider Crane, although being the largest mini-crane in its category, is fully compact and tracked and can easily be transported using plant trailer and 4x4 towing vehicle.