Transforming Llanelli: Millennium Coastal Park Land Bridges
The Millennium Coastal Park near Llanelli, a 22km stretch of transformed industrial land, has become a vibrant recreational space. Central to this development were two innovative land bridges designed to span the Swansea to Fishguard mainline railway, seamlessly connecting the park’s contours while minimising environmental impact.
Geoquest partnered with Birse Construction to design and supply precast concrete arch segments for the bridges. The 100m-long eastern bridge and the 35m-long western bridge were crafted with precision, utilising finite element analysis to create an economical 350mm thick arch section. The portals were carefully designed with oblique precast concrete segments to harmonise with the park’s landscaped features.
Erection of the arch units took place during weekend rail track possessions, with two cranes achieving 16m of tunnel length in each 10-hour window. This efficient approach ensured minimal disruption, even with periodic pauses to accommodate passing trains.
Completed on time and within budget, the project saved 13% against the target cost and earned prestigious recognition, including the 1998 George Gibby Award by the ICE South Wales Association and a shortlist nomination for the 1999 British Construction Industry Awards.
The Millennium Coastal Park bridges exemplify Geoquest’s expertise in creating durable, sustainable, and cost-effective infrastructure solutions.
Similar projects
