Rights Managed > Historic England > Industry > Engineering and Construction > Building Motorways > Severn Crossing M48
Tower top JLP01_09_871160
Filename: jlp01_09_871160.jpg
Size: 6680 x 5265 (5.6MB)
Date: 16th March 2022
Source: Historic England
Credit: © Historic England Archive. Joh
Copyright Status: Copyrighted Work
Source: Historic England Archive
Owner URL: https://images.historicenglandservices.org.uk/
© Historic England Archive
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Historic England
Tower top JLP01_09_871160
SEVERN BRIDGE, M48, AUST, SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE. A Laing worker standing on a platform at the top of the Aust tower of the Severn Bridge while shielding his eyes from the sun.
The original design and construction of the Severn Bridge had under estimated the increased volume of traffic since its completion in 1966 and whilst built to last 120 years it was found to require remedial work after just 20. Laing Industrial Engineering & Construction won the £ 29.5m contract from the Department of Transport and strengthening work on all elements of the structure began in May 1987. The project was completed in April 1990 in the same year that Laing jointly won the contract for the construction of the second Severn Crossing that would take the traffic pressure off the first bridge and extend its lifespan even further.
The photograph was taken during strengthening work undertaken by Laing. It was published in the December 1990 issue of Team Spirit, the Laing company newsletter. The view shows the deck of the bridge below stretching out towards the South Wales landscape
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 24561521
© Historic England Archive
1980s Bridge Landscape Motorway People Road Transport Steel Waterscape Work Height
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a moment in history at the top of the Aust tower of the iconic Severn Bridge. A Laing worker, standing on a platform, shields his eyes from the sun as he overlooks the vast expanse below. The Severn Bridge, originally completed in 1966, faced unexpected challenges due to an underestimation of traffic volume. Despite being designed to last 120 years, remedial work was required after just two decades. In response, Laing Industrial Engineering & Construction secured a £29.5 million contract from the Department of Transport to strengthen all elements of this architectural marvel. During this project undertaken by Laing between May 1987 and April 1990, this photograph was taken and featured in Team Spirit, Laing's company newsletter published in December 1990. The image showcases not only the worker but also provides a breathtaking view of the bridge deck stretching towards South Wales' picturesque landscape. Interestingly enough, it was during this same year that Laing jointly won another contract for constructing the second Severn Crossing – an endeavor aimed at relieving traffic pressure on its predecessor while further extending its lifespan. Preserved within Historic England Archive and credited to Joh (not mentioning commercial use), this print serves as a testament to both human ingenuity and engineering prowess that went into strengthening one of Britain's most vital transportation links.
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