A local company has played a leading role in the refurbishment
of a crucial part of the UK's transport infrastructure.
Worksop Galvanizing, part of Wedge Group Galvanizing, has
galvanized more than 400 tonnes of structural steel used as part of
a major upgrade to the northbound Blackwall Tunnel, which links the
boroughs of Tower Hamlets and Greenwich, and provides a key route
into Central London from Kent and the South East of England.
Ilkeston-based J W Engineering Ltd has used the steel as part of
a project to improve and replace the four ventilation shafts
running throughout the 114-year-old tunnel so that they meet
stringent current health and safety standards.
Paul Robinson, Commercial Manager for Worksop Galvanizing,
commented: "It's been great to be involved in such an
important project, and to know that thanks to the hot-dip
galvanizing service our team provided, the steel will be protected
from corrosion and rusting for anything up to 60 years,"
John Hitchman, Managing Director for J W Engineering Ltd, added:
"Galvanizing offers an ongoing protection to the steel, which is
absolutely vital when you consider the harsh conditions it will
face in the ventilation shafts over the coming years. The team at
Worksop Galvanizing provided us with a prompt and
highly-professional service, enabling us to complete our work on
time."
The £70million overhaul to the northbound Blackwall Tunnel
has also seen the installation of a new CCTV system and additional
fire and accident detection systems, along with improved access for
the emergency services, and will help to ensure safe use of the
tunnel, which carries around 50,000 vehicles a day. The project,
which started in February 2010, was completed in November, well in
advance of the 2012 London Olympics.
Wedge Group Galvanizing is the largest hot dip galvanizing
organisation in the UK with a history dating back over 150 years.
With 14 plants strategically placed across the country, they offer
a truly national galvanizing service.