| Topic: | Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:M4 Flyover road works | |
| Posted by: | Anthony Waller | |
| Date/Time: | 11/07/12 23:32:00 |
| The structure has over 67 structural failures found so far after exhaustive testing. Heavy plates are being fabricated and riveted into place. The drilling is strategic to contain the flow of the cracks but with so many plates required this will create new stress loads and may well lead to new cracks in a very short time. The fix being executed is a tried and trusted method and will make it safe for the present. But the drilling has to be accurate and vibration from traffic impedes the accuracy of alignment. Hence the closure. What is for sure is the whole section from Boston Manor to Chiswick roundabout is near the end of it's safe serviceable life and will need to be renewed extensively or replaced. This will be a huge task and probably result is options. Full closure of A4 and M4 and rapid rebuild or M4 closure and part closure of A4 and longer rebuild The Boston Manor section will be easy through the park but with all the developments east of B M road (which have caused some of the issues by ground forces causing movement in the viaduct foundations) It will be a very costly and tricky replacement. This will also have to be taken into consideration with Reynard Mills as this development could coincide with the works and hugely damage the local services and environs for years. |