T0238 M53 Clatterbridge Half Joint Calculation Review

National Highways (NH) has Hidden Critical Defects amongst its structures stock on the Strategic Road Network (SRN). Half Joint bridge construction is one such detail that is known to cause concern and is part of a national programme of Half Joint assessments aimed at understanding their condition and contribution to limiting capacity. Ideally, the assessment will confirm that the HJ bridge capacity in its as-built condition is adequate for the route capacity. Where necessary, consider condition factors associated with a bridge, several decades old. In Area10 on the M53, Clatterbridge Bridges, an interchange junction, have been assessed by NH's Design Services Contractor, Amey. The uncertified capacity is indicating a capacity less than expected based on results achieved on similar bridges with similar design on that route. That is affecting how the bridge is managed and monitored.