An 80-metre long, 1,000 tonne curved bridge has been installed over the A1081 in Luton.
The VolkerFitzpatrick-Kier joint-venture delivered the project ahead of schedule, which will see DART shuttles travel over the A1081 on the new bridge.
The bridge was constructed at an offsite location, adjacent to the Percival Way roundabout, over an eight month period. It was then transported half a mile to the site, using self-propelled modular transporters. The structure was raised up using jacks, positioned and carefully lowered into place.
The whole operation was successfully completed over the course of three days and required significant planning and collaboration between VolkerFitzpatrick-Kier, London Luton Airport Ltd and Luton Council.
This project forms a key part of the new Luton DART fast transit system.
The Luton DART will be a double-shuttle, fully-automated people-mover (APM) which will link London Luton Airport with Luton Airport Parkway railway station and will be capable of operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Phil Hobson, project director at the Luton DART, said: "This was an especially challenging project milestone to reach and required a huge collaborative effort between all parties. The team worked incredibly well together to successfully install the bridge.
"Every aspect of the installation was specialised and complex. From setting up the temporary ramps to moving the bridge, which took us over two hours. Each operation over the weekend was expertly planned and we are really pleased to have reached this vital point in construction of the project."
Ciaran Scanlon, LLAL Programme Delivery Director, commented: "This has been an exciting achievement and a hugely significant milestone in the delivery of the innovative DART scheme. The whole project has been full of engineering challenges and to move an object of this size ranks as one of the biggest. To see such a large object calmly trundle down the A1081 under complete control was a great testimony to both the vision of the project and the technical expertise of our contractor, VolkerFitzpatrick-Kier (VFK).
"We appreciate that many people will have been affected by the road closures needed to allow for this move and thank everyone for their support, patience and understanding."
(CM/JG)
Construction News
03/12/2019
Luton DART Bridge Installed Ahead Of Schedule


02/07/2025
Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is one of the most dangerous gases found in industrial environments.
Colourless, highly toxic, and often referred to as the "silent killer", it's particularly hazardous because it can quickly deaden the sense of smell, giving workers a false sense of security.
Even a

01/07/2025
Construction firm GRAHAM is making strong progress on the University of Manchester's flagship Fallowfield Campus redevelopment, working as part of the Viridis Consortium alongside partners Equitix and Derwent FM.
Following the demolition of the iconic Owens Park Tower, the project has now entered i

01/07/2025
Kirklees Council has announced that the West Yorkshire Archive Service (WYAS) will be moving into a new, purpose-built home within Huddersfield's flagship library hub, part of the Our Cultural Heart regeneration scheme.
The move marks a major milestone in the preservation and accessibility of the b

01/07/2025
Dalkia UK has officially assumed responsibility for the facilities management services at eight nuclear power stations operated by EDF Nuclear Operations.
The newly secured contract includes a wide range of essential services, including mechanical and electrical maintenance, building and grounds up

01/07/2025
Ofgem has provisionally approved a landmark £24 billion investment package to upgrade Britain's energy infrastructure, strengthen energy security, and accelerate the transition to clean power.
The initial funding, announced on July 1, is part of a wider £80 billion programme that represents the mo

01/07/2025
Engineering specialist MARCH has been appointed to United Utilities' Monitoring and Control Systems Integration framework, further strengthening its role in supporting vital water infrastructure projects across the North West.
The framework, which will initially run for five years with the potentia

01/07/2025
THE GUARDTECH GROUP are gearing up for a golden second half of year with THREE awards showpieces on the calendar.
First up, the cleanroom construction experts are finalists for the Large Business of the Year gong at the prestigious Suffolk Business Awards.
That event takes place on Thursday 10 Jul

01/07/2025
Leeds College of Building (LCB) has launched a refreshed brand identity and a new website as it celebrates 65 years of delivering specialist education and training in the construction industry.
The rebrand follows an 18-month collaboration with branding agency Born Communication, aiming to better r

01/07/2025
Three major projects delivered by Farrans have been named among the UK and Ireland’s best in the shortlist for the 2025 British Construction and Infrastructure Awards.
The Gull Wing Bridge in Suffolk, constructed by Farrans on behalf of Suffolk County Council, has been shortlisted in the Best Trans

01/07/2025
Persimmon Homes Wessex and Selwood Housing have formalised a new agreement to deliver additional affordable homes at the Backbridge Farm development in Malmesbury.
The two organisations have exchanged contracts on six high-quality homes, which Persimmon will complete and hand over to Selwood Housin