Recent inspections have revealed welding issues affecting five National Highways bridges and four other bridges constructed by Severfield, a prominent Yorkshire based steel fabricator.
These bridges, located on key motorway routes, form part of essential infrastructure linked to the HS2 project. Deficiencies in the welds, including improper material fusion and irregular seam alignments, have raised safety concerns, prompting immediate remedial measures costing over £20m.
The Welding Deficiencies
Reports suggest the welding issues stem from deviations from agreed specifications during fabrication. This includes inadequate penetration in the weld joints, leading to reduced structural integrity. Some experts attribute the lapses to potential oversight in quality assurance processes or insufficient worker training during high-pressure project timelines. Such factors have exacerbated the problem, requiring significant follow-up interventions.
National Highways’ Response
National Highways has initiated a comprehensive review of the affected bridges. Key actions include:
- Enhanced Inspections: Using advanced non-destructive testing techniques to assess the extent of structural vulnerabilities.
- Interim Safety Measures: Imposing weight restrictions and rerouting traffic where necessary to mitigate risks.
- Rectification Work: Collaborating with Severfield to reinforce the welds under stringent monitoring to meet regulatory standards.
A National Highways spokesperson said: “We are carrying out targeted inspections on a small number of bridges to rule out any potential issues.
“These bridges remain safe to use. For any abnormal load movements, we have put restrictions in place as a precaution while we assess whether any further strengthening measures may be required.”
Neither HS2 nor National Highways have disclosed which bridges have been affected by the welding defects.
Implications for Future Projects
The situation has prompted calls for stricter oversight in large-scale infrastructure projects. Experts recommend adopting stricter compliance frameworks and real-time monitoring during fabrication to avoid similar issues. Severfield and National Highways are reportedly revising their quality protocols to restore trust in their processes.
While the affected bridges remain under scrutiny, National Highways has assured stakeholders of its commitment to upholding safety and maintaining seamless transport networks.
Author: Mark Salisbury, Editor, Fleetpoint
