Helping to deliver essential utilities project in London

Manor Road, London

Project Overview

Location	Manor Road, London
Sector	Water
Products	Mass 50

J. Murphy & Sons enlisted our expertise to design and install a propping system for major refurbishment works on Manor Road bridge. Located in Newham, the bridge plays a critical role in London’s wastewater infrastructure, carrying the Northern Outfall Sewer (NOS) across a major road and railway lines.

The challenge

Protecting a critical utility asset

As part of Thames Water’s refurbishment programme, Manor Road Bridge was identified as a key asset. Originally built in 1860, the structure carries five large sewer barrels over major transport routes and now forms part of the Greenway Cycle Path.

Engineered propping solution

Working with J. Murphy & Sons, we designed, supplied and installed a temporary propping system to support the sewer barrels during construction. The system used Mass 50 props and mechanical screw jacks to maintain continuous support.

Working within tight constraints

Installation was carried out within a confined dummy span between the Jubilee Line and DLR, with strict access and load limits. The solution avoided disruption to transport and utilities while enabling the works to proceed safely.

Our solution

Mabey Hire’s Mass 50 system was designed using smaller lengths (maximum one metre each), which the team then carried by hand from the delivery vehicle onto the scaffold loading platform and subsequently under the “dummy” span, where they could be interconnected.

Working alongside J. Murphy & Sons, the risk assessments and method statements were carefully approved to ensure that there would be no interaction with the railway, thus ensuring the safety of all operatives involved with the construction.

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Craig McDonnell, Engineering Manager at J. Murphy & Sons, commented: “Mabey Hire’s speed of response and the expertise of its in-house construction teams were critical on this project. Once access to the site had been provided and new reinforced concrete foundations had been constructed, Mabey Hire personnel were able to install its Mass 50 equipment in a timely fashion with minimum input from us.”

Steve Lea, National Accounts Director at Mabey Hire, added: “We’re proud that our quick response and propping solutions have enabled J. Murphy & Sons to swiftly begin work on the renovations to this vital part of London’s utility network. Together, both companies worked hard to find a way around the logistical issues posed by this project and found an optimal solution that could be delivered efficiently and safely.”

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“Mabey Hire’s speed of response and the expertise of its in-house construction teams were critical on this project. Once access to the site had been provided and new reinforced concrete foundations had been constructed, Mabey Hire personnel were able to install its Mass 50 equipment in a timely fashion with minimum input from us.”

Craig McDonnell

Engineering Manager, J. Murphy & Sons