Bridge Painting Pontoon Access

Bridge painting projects often require the working platform to move as preparation and coating works progress along the structure.

Where direct riverbank access beneath the bridge is restricted, the pontoon can be assembled at a suitable upstream or downstream launch location and moved into position where site conditions allow.

Ropes, work boats or suitable outboard propulsion can assist with positioning and repositioning as works progress, subject to the project method and waterway conditions.

Where additional working height is required, the floating pontoon can be configured to support an appropriate scaffold access arrangement.

This can provide painting and coating contractors with closer access to bridge soffits, beams, girders and other structural elements.

The pontoon configuration, scaffold loads, working height, restraint arrangements and site conditions should all be considered when planning the installation.

Where required, FPS can support more complex arrangements with temporary works design and stability calculations.

Bridge coating works can involve more than simply applying paint.

Depending on the project, contractors may require access for preparation, cleaning, coating equipment, generators, tools and materials.

FPS can configure the available working area around the requirements of the contractor and proposed works.

Additional deck area can be incorporated where required to provide practical working space while maintaining suitable access around equipment.

Painting and surface-preparation works over water require careful consideration of the surrounding environment.

The floating pontoon can provide a working base for appropriate containment measures such as debris netting, sheeting or other project-specific controls where required.

The exact containment arrangement should be determined as part of the project planning and risk-assessment process.

Accessing the structure from the water may reduce the need for extensive access arrangements from the road or bridge deck.

Depending on the project, floating access can help reduce:

• Road closures
• Lane restrictions
• Traffic management
• Trackside working
• Bankside scaffolding
• Disruption to bridge users
• Complex access installations

The most appropriate solution will always depend on the bridge, waterway and scope of works.

Every bridge painting project is different.

FPS will consider factors including:

• Required working area
• Water depth and flow
• Available launch and assembly locations
• Bridge geometry
• Equipment and materials
• Scaffold requirements
• Positioning and restraint
• Environmental conditions
• Access requirements

This allows the floating platform to be configured around the requirements of the individual project.

FPS Pontoon Hire has supplied floating access platforms for bridge painting and refurbishment works where conventional land-based access was restricted.

Our modular systems can provide specialist contractors with flexible access beneath bridge structures while reducing disruption to the road, railway or waterway where conditions allow.

Our service can include:

• Modular pontoon hire
• Nationwide delivery
• Pontoon installation and removal
• Bespoke platform configurations
• Edge protection
• Scaffold access arrangements
• Work and safety boat support
• Pontoon positioning
• Temporary works support where required