Project Overview

Client: West Lindsey District Council

Location: Saxilby, Lincolnshire

Contract Period: 2023

Contract: JCT Design and Build Contract 2016

Role: Principal Contractor

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Universal Coatings UK was appointed as Principal Contractor to undertake the complete restoration and refurbishment of the Saxilby Footbridge over the Fossdyke Canal.

The structure comprised five principal components: one main bridge span, two link spans and two supporting trestles. Due to the extent of the required repairs and the constrained canal-side location, the bridge components were carefully dismantled, lifted and transported under an approved movement order to Universal Coatings’ specialist workshop in Misterton.

This off-site approach provided a controlled environment in which the structural repairs, surface preparation, protective coating works and decking replacement could be completed safely and to a consistently high standard.

Scope of Works

Universal Coatings managed and delivered the complete refurbishment package, including:

• Principal Contractor and CDM management responsibilities

• Preparation and implementation of the Construction Phase Plan

• Controlled dismantling and lifting of the bridge structure

• Transportation of all five bridge components to our workshop

• Detailed inspections and condition assessments

• Structural steel repairs designed and agreed with the client

• Abrasive blast-cleaning of the existing steelwork

• Application of a complete protective coating system

• Removal and replacement of the existing bridge deck

• Installation of a new GRP decking system

• Reassembly, transportation and reinstatement of the completed structure

The majority of the specialist refurbishment activities were undertaken directly by Universal Coatings’ in-house teams, allowing close control over quality, sequencing and programme delivery.

Specialist Workshop Refurbishment

The bridge spans and trestles were fully accommodated within Universal Coatings’ large-scale workshop facilities, demonstrating our ability to manage substantial structural components that cannot be effectively refurbished within a live site environment.

Once received at the workshop, the components were dismantled as required and subjected to detailed inspections. Necessary steel repairs were then undertaken before the structures were blast-cleaned to remove the existing coatings, corrosion and surface contamination.

A new protective coating system was subsequently applied under controlled workshop conditions, providing improved quality assurance, environmental control and long-term corrosion protection.

Innovative Decking Solution

As part of the refurbishment, Universal Coatings developed and delivered a replacement GRP bridge decking solution.

The system provided a durable, corrosion-resistant and low-maintenance alternative to the existing deck while offering improved slip resistance and long-term performance within the canal-side environment. The decking arrangement was coordinated with the repaired bridge structure to ensure compatibility, safe installation and an appropriate finished appearance.

Permits and Stakeholder Coordination

The project required careful coordination with multiple stakeholders due to its location over the Fossdyke Canal and its interaction with the surrounding highway and public-access areas.

Universal Coatings procured and managed the necessary permissions and permits, including liaison with the Canal & River Trust and the relevant highways authorities. This ensured that the lifting, transportation, restoration and reinstatement activities were fully authorised and undertaken in accordance with the applicable requirements.

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Government Visit

During the refurbishment programme, Universal Coatings' specialist restoration workshop welcomed a visit from The Rt Hon James Cleverly MP, then Foreign Secretary, together with Brendan Clarke-Smith MP.

The visit provided an opportunity to showcase the specialist restoration techniques being employed on the Saxilby Footbridge, including structural repairs, abrasive blast-cleaning, protective coating application and the refurbishment of the bridge components within our dedicated workshop facilities.

The visit also recognised Universal Coatings' growing reputation within the heritage and infrastructure sectors, following our involvement in the restoration of the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) at the Palace of Westminster. The success of that nationally significant project demonstrated our capability to deliver complex conservation and protective coating works on some of the UK's most iconic historic structures, making our workshop an ideal location to showcase British engineering, craftsmanship and specialist restoration expertise.

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Project Outcome

The completed project restored the structural integrity, appearance and serviceability of the Saxilby Footbridge while extending its operational life.

By combining Principal Contractor management, structural refurbishment, specialist coatings and innovative decking installation within a single coordinated package, Universal Coatings provided West Lindsey District Council with a fully managed and technically robust solution.

The project was successfully delivered within the agreed programme, providing a safe, durable and visually improved crossing for the local community.