Substructure of the Old Geestebridge to be renovated
From 6 May 2019, specialists of USM-Nord will dismantle the so-called elephant feet around the steel beams of the Old Geestbridge, which protect them from the rain, and renovated the steel underneath.
To complete this work, the bridge will be closed for a period of six months.
After 115 years in the wind and weather, a lot of rust has accumulated that must now be removed. Also, the remaining steel, in parts, is now thin and perforated. To fix this damage, approximately one meter of the so-called trapezoid beams will be cut off and replaced with new steel elements. The old bridge-front will serve as guidance for the construction. The lifting gear will also be overhauled and modernized. Afterwards, the old paintjob will be removed with a high-pressure jet washing system. In this way, the steel experts will be able to see exactly which parts need replacement. Following a subsequent second closing of the bridge, the turning gear will be dismantled and overhauled and a large number of longitudinal beams will be replaced. Last, the blasted and renewed steel parts will be sealed with a corrosion protectant, which will be applied in four layers.
