Address: 11 Hockley Court, 2401 Stratford Road, Hockley Heath, Solihull, B94 6NW
Email: info@cpccivils.net Phone: 0121 766 7019
Company No: 033 623 96
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Design by eSterling
Project Value
£2,000,000
Client Name
Kier
Project Type
Waterway Engineering
Cooper Bridge Weir
The purpose of the project was to reinstate the failed weir across the river Calder at Cooper Bridge near Mirfield.
Cooper bridge Weir – Project Overview
Cooper Bridge Weir is located at Cooper Bridge Junction where the Huddersfield Broad canal joins the Calder and Hebble Navigation from the south.
The function of the weir is to maintain upstream water levels of the Calder and Hebble, and Huddersfield Broad canals.
Approximately two thirds of the original weir structure have failed in previous years since being replaced with other materials.
Project Aims and Objectives
The principal structures to be constructed were a new 40m long reinforced concrete weir. This would replace the existing one. Also we would construct a Larinier fish pass and an elver pass.
The weir included a concrete crest with steel sheet piles up and downstream tying into a sloping concrete apron to the upstream and a stepped concrete apron to the downstream.
River Calder is fast-flowing river with a high flash flood risk.
Maintaining the flow of the river whilst constructing the new Weir and Fish Pass would require advanced programming and temporary works installation.
To comply with Environment Agency, it was also necessary to include a fish pass as part of the works.
For more information see the Canal and River Trusts article and waterways blog.
The Project would be split into three construction phases:
- Install a sheet pile cofferdam a third of the way into the river to enable the Fish Pass base to be constructed. Remove the section of the existing weir down to formation. Continuous de-watering of the ground water and de-silting before discharging the clean ground water back into the River. Upon completing construction of the reinforced base, remove sections of the upstream wall of the cofferdam to divert the river to flow through Phase 1.
- Construct a temporary bridge capable of taking a 70ton crane and walkway over Phase 1 to enable removal of the remnants of the weir and building onto the river of a stone causeway. Install a large cofferdam the full width of the weir to allow the 40m long, 6 step reinforced concrete weir, constructing this one step at a time. Construct new retaining wall and masonry wash wall. Place Rip Rap anti scour stone downstream of the new weir. Remove the sheet pile cofferdam to allow the river to flow over the new weir.
- Close of the upstream wall of the Phase 1 cofferdam. Construct the new reinforced concrete fish pass and the remains of the weir. The new Fish Pass would incorporate an Elver pass as well as a Lariner pass with baffles and resting pool. Install new fish monitoring equipment. Remove the Phase 1 Cofferdam. Landscaping to surrounding land and new fencing to the edge of the fish pass.
Project Challenges
The scheme would be constructed through one of the wettest years in Huddersfield’s history. Several major floods to the river would occur causing some challenges.
Project Outcomes
The workforce persevered and overcame these challenges to complete the new weir and fish pass. As a result of this CPC Civils would receive appreciation and recognition from the Canal and River Trust.
Pennine Waterways News Article
Client Testimonials
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