The Burma Star Bridge – the second largest landmark bridge in
Crewe’s Queens Park – was hoisted into place on Wednesday (March
17)
From 11am onwards, A 300 tonne crane lifted the 22.5 tonne
bridge into place.
The Burma Star Bridge – named so after the Second World War
Campaign in the Burma jungles – will arch over the Burma Star
Island and Memorial, which is also undergoing renovation.
It’s all part of a £6.5m restoration of the park, thanks to the
Heritage Lottery Fund. Eventually, the 45-acre park will house
five impressive bridges.
Councillor Andrew Knowles, Cabinet member with responsibility
for parks, said the special occasion was close to his heart.
His uncle, James Knowles, who served as a Chindit during the
Burma campaign, died in 1944 aged just 20 years-old. To this
day, Andrew has kept a medal he won as a keepsake.
He added: “This will be an important part of Crewe’s history
when this bridge finally settles into place.
“This incredible Victorian park is slowly being brought back to
its former glory thanks to Cheshire East Council and its funding
partners, as well as all the help and support from members of
the public who have been extremely patient during renovations.”
The Burma Star Bridge is a tribute to the Burma Star Association
who refer to themselves as the “Forgotten Regiment”.
The Burma Star Association was officially founded on the 26
February 1951, with 2000 founder members who exist to promote
the comradeship experienced during the bitter fighting in the
jungles of Burma, as well as help members and their families in
times of ill-health and poverty.
The Association has representatives from the Royal Navy, Army
Royal Air Force and Royal British Legion on the National
Council.
The bridge being lifted with the steel work. Most of the work
was done by 3pm but the second part of the bridge hadn't arrived
at that time
What the bridge will look like when the lake is filled
The second bridge arrived at the park today. It taken all
week to lay over 800 tons of hardcore in order to get the
crane and bridge on site with over 300 tons just for the
crane. Its not the biggest bridge but as it has steep paths
to it there was difficulty getting a massive lorry and crane
down to the site.
It started at about 11 o'clock when the steel work came
first and was lifted into place as we all held our breath.
As it was built off site and the tolerance was in
millimeters would it fit? Well it was perfect right down to
the bolt holes. The steel had struts on it so two parts
could be lifted at once. It took to about 1:30 to bolt the
steel in place.
The bridge then came on site being reversed down a steep
hill on a big lorry this was a good bit of driving on the
drivers part with only inches to spare. The bridge was split
into two parts and lifted into place with no problems. It
gives a good idea of what the new bridges will look like
when its all finished. The next bridges for Burma Island are
expected about 17th March
The steel structure in place waiting fro the bridge
The bridge arrives on the lorry ready to be lifted
The first section being lifted into place
The second section is lowered spot on
The bridge complete with just some boards to go on it.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
At 10 o'clock today the new sluice bridge was on the back of
a lorry from Huddersfield waiting to be list into position
at the Tipkinder end of the lake. It took some time to get
the crane right but at 1 o'clock the list began
The crane lifted the bridge over our heads and swung it
around into position.
We were all surprised at the size of the bridge as it
seemed a lot bigger than we had thought
By 1:30 it was in place and the finally fixing was being
done
This was the first of the bridges which should have come
in December but due to the snow and ice had to be put back.
As a result of that they now intend to get the next 3
bridges in in the next few weeks and they will be trying to
do the three at once. Today's bridge is the small one so
getting the other on site and in place should be a
spectacular show.
It was noticeable today that work was progressing at an
alarming rate with work men everywhere, Burma island stone
work had none at the front last week but yesterday they had
the bottom layer in and today the next layer was going on.
Watch this page as we will be reporting weekly as things
happen
The lake wall showing how the wall will be constructed first
with stones in a metal basket
and then the wall is built over it as above. this shot taken
from the road with a Fugi s1500 camera
Not all the lake edge will be like this some will be a natural
slope
Work on the bridges bases are progressing well at the
beginning of the week the
base that was concreted last week had gone off as
above
They are now putting the final layer shuttering in so the
base can be finished this is
the bases on the main side of the park
The shuttering is also underway on the far side of Burma
Island its hoped this will all be done by next week.
The small bridge by Tipkinder is already done and
the one by the fish pool has had to be redone but should
be finished by next week
Work on the base for the bridge by Burma island has gone
ahead this week with concrete arriving on site mid
week with the wood templates in place ready for it
By Friday the wood has gone and the new concrete is in place
The old bridge across the lake at the turn of the century Original wooden bridge over the lake.
was erected. Four bridges, originally wooden, and surrounding paths make a popular walking circuit around the lake. After the culverin of Valley Brook, which ie cuivemng or valley BrooK, was improved the quality of the water, swimming was permitted. By the West island the water area was deepened to ten feet and a diving board and chang-ing huts were provided which were eventually removed
The footing for the new bridge to Burma island already to go just awaiting the bridge
