Safe Floating Access for Inspection, Repair and Maintenance
Infrastructure maintenance often requires engineers and contractors to work directly over rivers, canals, reservoirs and other waterways. Where bank access is limited, a modular floating pontoon can provide a practical temporary working platform without the need for a permanent structure.
FPS Pontoon Hire supplies temporary floating access systems for bridge inspection, rail infrastructure, watercourse maintenance, structural repairs and civil engineering projects throughout the UK.
Where Floating Pontoons Are Used
Modular pontoons can be configured for a wide range of infrastructure work, including:
- Bridge inspections and structural surveys.
- Bridge maintenance and repair works.
- Floating work platforms for tools and equipment.
- Temporary floating walkways.
- Rail bridge access.
- Watercourse and canal maintenance.
- Geotechnical investigations over water.
Flexible Access for Difficult Sites
Because the system is modular, the working area can be configured around bridge piers, abutments, walls and other site constraints. This can make floating access particularly useful where conventional scaffolding, MEWPs or bank-based plant are restricted by the waterway or surrounding terrain.
See our Floating Work Platforms and Walkways & Bridges for examples of typical arrangements.
Bridge and Rail Infrastructure
For bridge work, pontoons can provide close access to soffits, piers and structural elements for inspection, testing, painting and repairs. FPS has dedicated services for Bridge Inspection Pontoons, Bridge Maintenance and Rail Bridge Pontoon Access.
Watercourse and Environmental Works
Floating platforms can also support inspection and maintenance along canals, rivers, reservoirs and other inland waterways while reducing the need for heavy plant at the water’s edge. For this type of work, see our Watercourse Maintenance Pontoons.
Temporary Works and Safety
Each project is assessed around the required working area, intended loading, site access, water conditions and anchoring or restraint requirements. Depending on the configuration, a project may include edge protection, access ramps, temporary works design, stability calculations and project-specific RAMS.
More information is available on our Temporary Works and Stability Calculations and Health and Safety pages.
Related Services
Related Projects
- Rail Bridge Repairs at Mirfield, West Yorkshire
- Floating Access Platform Installation – Monikie Reservoir, Dundee
- View all Pontoon Hire Case Studies
Need Floating Access for an Infrastructure Project?
Tell us the site location, required working area, proposed loads, access constraints and programme and our team can review a suitable temporary floating access solution.
Call 01253 921 352 or contact FPS Pontoon Hire to request a quotation.
