Havengore Bridge: Update

[tillergirl]

Prompted by Oldgit's update:

Good afternoon,

Havengore Bridge: Update 05.12.19

Havengore Bridge remains closed to marine traffic but we’re pleased to confirm that significant progress is being made towards returning the bridge to full working order. We’re committed to a major project to refurbish, overhaul and upgrade all systems with a view to improving reliability, serviceability and long-term resilience.

QinetiQ’s specialist contractor recently carried out a deep mechanical and electrical survey and analysis and have developed a substantial package of works. Some minor electrical works will begin in December and continue in January with the main package set to commence in early February 2020.

The hydraulic system will be redesigned and improved with upgraded hydraulic components and replacement of the main lift cylinders. Controls equipment, systems and software will also be redesigned and upgraded to modern standards and fully integrated with the hydraulics. A new safety system and fault diagnostic technology will also improve bridge operations and reduce repairs times.

The major works will take several weeks to complete and we will continue to offer manual operation of the bridge (subject to sufficient demand and suitable tides), until they begin in February. Once the works have commenced, the bridge will be completely inoperable and therefore impassable for marine traffic until it is returned to full operational capacity.

We thank you for your continued patience and co-operation and will continue to provide updates to this information as the project moves forward.

Regards, Nicki

Nicki Uden – Community Liaison Officer, SHOEBURYNESS RANGE

 

[oldgit]

RCC has hopes to use the Havengore on our way to Burham in April to enjoy the usual sleet/snow and biting Easterly wind. Probably worth doing a waypoint or two for the long way round again ......just in case

 

[tillergirl]

Ah. Have you drained your optimism tank in case it freezes.

Ironically I was reading the 1903 notes on Reynolds 'New Coloured Chart' yesterday: "Small vessels of light draft may enter the Crouch from the Thames by way of Havengore Creek, crossing the Maplin Sands at four or five hours of flood. The Coastguard Ship half-mile within the Creek is a conspicuous mark. Vessels drawing about two and a half feet can enter at neap tides and those of about five feet draft at springs. The Crouch is not buoyed" Variation in those days 15.15 degrees West! :nonchalance:

 

[CLB]

The official line. The repairs will tale several weeks starting Feb and with the bridge inoperative during the works (Oldgit and friends will be OK)

My translation/forecast: Expect the bridge to be completely out of use until some point during the summer. Hopefully the early part, but do not discount it being late summer. (Oldgit and friends will need to plot some extra waypoints)

 

[oldgit]

The official line. The repairs will tale several weeks starting Feb and with the bridge inoperative during the works (Oldgit and friends will be OK)

My translation/forecast: Expect the bridge to be completely out of use until some point during the summer. Hopefully the early part, but do not discount it being late summer. (Oldgit and friends will need to plot some extra waypoints)

H,mm. We actually have two club cruises planned for that weekend.
If there is even the slightest hint of the Arctic conditions usually on offer up the East Essex coast in April , OG is off on the alternative cruise, turning left at Sheerness and up to West India.
F1(moderating) and 25C and Burnham just might get look in.

 

[oldgit]

H,mm. We actually have two club cruises planned for that weekend.
If there is even the slightest hint of the Arctic conditions usually on offer up the East Essex coast in April , OG is off on the alternative cruise, turning left at Sheerness and up to West India.
F1(moderating) and 25C and Burnham just might get look in.