As part of a major infrastructure project, a new bridge is being built on the River Shannon, Killaloe Bypass in Ireland. To make this work go as smoothly as possible, the modular jack-up “Barrow” is deployed. By the way, this is the first job that Baars’ new “Barrow” will be deployed.
The project, called “Killaloe Bypass, Shannon Bridge Crossing and R494 Upgrade”, includes a western bypass around the village of Killaloe, a new bridge over the Shannon River and an upgrade of the (existing) regional road (R494) between Ballina and the N7 at Bridhill.
The entire scheme has a length of about 6.2 kilometres. The (re)new(ed) road will cross River Shannon about 1 kilometre south of the existing Killaloe bridge. To be routed to the R494 via the Kilmastulla River (a tributary of the Shannon, and part of the Lower River Shannon SAC). The Shannon River has strong currents, to ensure the work goes smoothly, solid equipment and experience of working on water is required. As a result, Baars supplied a jack-up and modular pontoon for the work.
Modular pontoons for work around the new bridge
To start work on the new bridge, steel foundation piles had to be driven into the river. The pile driver had to work from the water, which is why it was placed on the modular jack-up “Barrow”. The video shows how this all worked.
Jack-up and pontoon delivered by Baars
The new jack-up called Barrow measures 21.94 metres x 17.06 metres x 2.44 metres. The load capacity of this jack-up is 250 tonnes. The jack-up is expandable to 400 tonnes.
Baars’ equipment has been used for the work around the new bridge in Shannon. For example, the new jack-up Barrow was used for the first time, but the modular pontoon “TAR” measuring 30.48 metres x 17.07 metres x 1.83 metres also proved its worth. Both modular systems are certified according to the requirements and regulations for working on inland waterways. In addition to this jack-up and pontoon, the assistance boat Tiger II was also deployed from Baars. This provides general support for operations on the water. A Baars jacking engineer is responsible for the day-to-day operation of all equipment provided by Baars.
Sustainability and Baars
During work on the new bridge in Shannon, strict environmental requirements came into play. This was because salmon were present in the river, among other things. As a result, Baars replaced around 3,000 litres of hydraulic oil in the installations on board the jack-up and modular pontoon with biodegradable oil.
Project stakeholders
The scope of the Killaloe Bypass, Shannon Bridge Crossing and R494 Upgrade project is considerable. As a result, several parties are involved in its implementation.
For instance, Irish contractor John Sisk & Son is involved in this project. They have already had the pleasure of successfully completing several major projects in Ireland, the UK and continental Europe. Not for nothing that they have been in business since 1859. On this project, they are the main contractor.
From Baars, our jacking engineer Adrian is involved. He takes care of the daily operation of all the equipment. Besides Adrian, two other Baars employees are involved. Ton Verduin from Ireland and technical manager Maurice van Koert from the Netherlands. Together, they take care of direct coordination with the customer. Commercially and technically.
So, for this project at the Shannon River, there is a great collaboration between two long-standing family businesses! Lots of knowledge and experience!
In addition to the modular 8′ jack-up Barrow, 6′ (100 tonnes capacity) and 9.5′ (400 tonnes capacity) high modular jack-ups are also available. Click here for more information
Looking for customized jack-up? You can always contact us!
