2025
Loughborough
Eric Wright Civil Engineering Ltd & UDS Diving & Marine
AECOM
Zouch Bridge Replacement Project: Scour Protection Solution
Challenge
The £19.5 million Zouch Bridge replacement project represents a major infrastructure upgrade on the A6006 over the River Soar in Leicestershire. The scheme involves replacing the existing 90-year-old bridge with a new, modern structure constructed adjacent to the current alignment, alongside associated road realignment works and public right of way adjustments.
Recent construction progress has included the installation of structural steel beams and the commencement of complex in-river works, including cofferdam construction. The new bridge is scheduled for completion and opening in early 2027, after which the existing bridge and approach roads will be removed or rerouted.
A critical engineering challenge within Phase 1 of the project was the protection of the East and West pier abutment substructures from river scour. Given the hydraulic conditions of the River Soar and the potential for erosion around bridge foundations, a robust and reliable scour protection system was required. Maccaferri was engaged to design and deliver an effective solution to ensure long-term structural stability and resilience.
Solution
To address the site-specific challenges, including steep riverbank slopes and low frictional resistance between protection materials and in-situ ground conditions, AECOM specified the need for enhanced anchorage resistance. The reduced interface friction between Reno mattresses and the founding material increased the risk of instability under hydraulic loading.
Maccaferri’s solution combined Reno mattresses with gabion baskets to create a secure and durable scour protection system. The gabion baskets were installed as an anchor trench, effectively tying into the Reno mattresses to provide additional stability and prevent movement on the steeper slopes.
Maccaferri Construction carried out the installation works, including the assembly and filling of gabion baskets on-site to form the anchor trench. Pre-filled Reno mattresses were prepared off-site near the project location, ensuring improved quality control and faster installation. These units were then transported and carefully lifted into position.
Due to the in-river nature of the works, a specialist diving subcontractor was utilised to guide and position the Reno mattresses accurately on the riverbed. This ensured precise installation in line with design specifications and environmental constraints.
This integrated gabion and mattress system provides a long-term, high-performance scour protection solution, safeguarding the bridge substructure and contributing to the overall success of the Zouch Bridge replacement project.
Used Products
