London, U.K. - End of March our site team has installed the Middle Dock Bridge spanning from the McKenzie Walk to Bank Street over the Middle Dock at Canary Wharf. This operation has been the highlight of a project that started  in July 2024, when Canary Wharf Contractors awarded Victor Buyck Steel Construction the contract for this new footbridge. It has a length of 56,250 meter and an installed weight of 180 tons.

While works were busy on the piles into the dock, our workforce in the factory assembled, welded and painted the architecturally challenging steel structure. Early February we brought the bridge in 2 sections to the site. It took some exceptional driving to get the 5,4 meter wide bridge onto the preassembly area. After welding the central site joint and installing the pier supports the corrosion protection was fully touched up. Our partner Sarens brought modular barges to site (there is no access by water to the Middle Dock) and used SPMT (self-propelled modular transport) units to drive the bridge onto the assembled barge. Assisted by tug boats the bridge was sailed to its final position, taking 2 tricky turns to get there. When the water level of the dock has been sufficiently lowered the bridge was put onto the piers into the dock, well within the tight tolerances.

Less visible but equally important we proceeded to grouting and tightening the macalloy bars. Finishing works include installation of the permanent formwork and mass concrete, while Willerby is fixing the timber on the topside of the bridge.

The new bridge forms the closing piece of the Eden Project, whereby the historic Middle Dock - renamed to Eden Dock - has been reimagined into a waterfront oasis, focused on connecting people with water and nature. Eden Dock, features aquatic islands, open spaces, lush gardens and art installations.

The green haven will have a significant positive impact on biodiversity and will boost the wellbeing of those who work, live and visit the neighbourhood providing access to beautiful waterside spaces and nature. 

Victor Buyck has been very happy to work with Canary Wharf Contractors, Arup, Glenn Howells Architects, Westdijk, Swain, Baldwin, PHL Hydraulics, Comast, Taska Marine, Red 7 Marine, Pontoon Provider, MPS, Willerby, VTS Marine Logistics and last bot not least Sarens to achieve this unique, challenging project.

This project, while being an infrastructure project, is one more in the long line of projects done by Victor Buyck Steel Construction for Canary Wharf Contractors over a period spanning almost 40 years. We think we can say this is a good example of a long-term relationship!