Overview

The project involved repairs to the B429 Sheep Bridge in Cherrington, Telford – a single span masonry arch bridge over the River Meese with two flood relief tunnels. The existing scour protection was being undercut, with evidence that water was travelling beneath parts of the structure, threatening the bridge’s stability and longevity.

The scope included stabilising and strengthening the arch support to repair undercutting, installation of scour protection works, removal of existing defective concrete aprons, and replacement with mass concrete alongside and underneath the abutments of the central arch. Isolated spalled and missing stonework in the central arch and flood relief arches were also replaced.

This 7-week NEC 4 Sub-Contract Framework project was delivered on time for Balfour Beatty, with the initial 6-week scheme being extended by one week due to additional required work. The project was completed with zero defects.

Challenges

The Sheep Bridge repair project presented several significant challenges that required careful planning and management.

Working in a live river environment: The team had to develop solutions for working in unstable riverbed conditions while managing water flow. The Porter Dam required twice-daily checks to prevent failures caused by river force, which on one occasion tore a large hole requiring immediate repair.
Environmental constraints: Strict environmental controls were necessary to protect the river ecosystem, particularly fish populations and to prevent the spread of invasive species. Work needed to be completed before the fish spawning season beginning 1st October.
Communication difficulties: The remote location had no mobile phone signal, requiring all communication to be managed via email, complicating coordination and emergency response protocols.
Load-bearing considerations: The use of a nine-ton excavator on a bridge with a posted 3-ton limit required advance structural surveys and careful management of load distribution.
Access limitations: The confined spaces beneath the bridge limited access for concrete pumping equipment, requiring alternative material handling solutions.
Weather and river conditions: Fluctuating river levels and potential adverse weather presented ongoing risks to the works and dewatering operations.

Our approach

A tailored approach was developed to address the unique challenges presented by the Sheep Bridge environment. Key elements of the execution included:

Comprehensive environmental management: Recognising the critical importance of protecting the river ecosystem, the team implemented a fishery permit process with careful removal and relocation of fish using electric stunning techniques. All fish were safely scooped out before work began in the river. The team also rigorously monitored and removed invasive American crayfish, which carry a disease harmful to native species, and implemented daily decontamination protocols to prevent cross-site contamination.
Phased construction methodology: To maintain structural stability throughout the works, the team implemented a carefully sequenced construction approach. This involved dividing the bridge into four quadrants that could be completed sequentially while maintaining the integrity of the structure.
Controlled water management: The Porter Dam installation with 4 tons of sandbags allowed the team to pump out water daily, with twice-daily checks to prevent failures. When river force once tore a large hole, the team made immediate repairs at no extra cost to maintain project continuity.
Specialised material application: The use of high-strength concrete, allowing walk-on strength within two hours, was crucial for the tight schedule and challenging river environment. The concrete mix was specifically selected for its performance characteristics in the damp conditions.
Adaptable communication protocols: Despite the lack of phone signal, the team implemented a system of daily morning briefings to review tasks, risks, and safety. This enhanced team focus and reduced the potential for accidents, while ensuring all team members were aligned with daily objectives.
Collaborative stakeholder engagement: Close collaboration with Balfour Beatty and local suppliers such as SMC Concrete ensured timely concrete delivery and quality control despite communication challenges.

Outcomes

The Sheep Bridge repair project was completed successfully, achieving its primary objectives. Key outcomes included:

On-time completion: Despite the extension of the initial programme from 6 to 7 weeks due to additional works, the project was completed by the contracted date of 6th October 2025.
Zero defects: The project was delivered with no quality issues or defects, demonstrating the effectiveness of the construction methodology and quality control processes.
Structural integrity restored: The bridge’s undercutting issues were fully addressed, with new scour protection properly installed to prevent future water infiltration beneath the structure.
Environmental compliance: All works were completed in accordance with environmental permits and requirements, protecting the river ecosystem and preventing the spread of invasive species.
Stonework preservation: Historical aspects of the bridge were maintained through careful replacement of isolated spalled and missing stonework, balancing modern structural requirements with heritage preservation.
Site safety maintained: Despite the challenging river environment and heavy machinery requirements, the project was completed with no safety incidents.

Conclusion

The Sheep Bridge repair project demonstrates the effective management of complex civil engineering works in environmentally sensitive settings. Through meticulous planning, adaptable work methods, and strict adherence to environmental protocols, the team successfully restored the structural integrity of this important bridge while protecting the surrounding ecosystem.

The project showcases how careful sequencing of works and daily management of site conditions can overcome significant technical challenges. The successful delivery within the tight timeframe and with zero defects highlights the importance of experienced site leadership, clear communication protocols, and collaborative stakeholder engagement, even in locations with communication limitations.

Client Testimonial

“It was a privilege having McPhillips work for us on the Sheep bridge project. There was constant collaboration throughout the project with all parties, completing the works on time and on budget while ensuring the correct EA procedures were being followed and bespoke permits in place. The work was completed to a very high standard and signed off snag free before leaving site. Both Balfour Beatty Living Places and Telford & Wrekin Council were very pleased with the proactive, professional approach of the site team and the quality of the workmanship.”

Simon Middleton – Schemes manager (Balfour Beatty Living Places)

Testimonials

"The site manager and assistant site manger did a fantastic job on the scheme, they were friendly, reliable, professional and their experience on managing the subcontract labour and technical ability was second to none."

Ian Lowe, BIT Group

"McPhillips (Wellington) Ltd undertook the construction of a recent public realm scheme in Shrewsbury, they provided traffic and pedestrian management to manage the construction of the scheme in a busy urban area, with high pedestrian footfall. All civils and re-paving works were completed to a high standard and in a tidy, productive and efficient manner. They were able to engage with Shrewsbury BID to aid in the planning of events, as well as liaising with local businesses and shops to minimise impact. They worked effectively and efficiently to complete works to the accepted programme and administered the contract well using web based management systems. There were good working relationships between all parties, and their on-site management of personnel was excellent."

Scott Hughes, WSP

"McPhillips were good to work with and they were always keen to resolve any issues or complications which obviously occur on such a large and complex project, probably the biggest S278 Worcestershire has ever dealt with."

Sally Everest, Worcestershire County Council

"Having been the first time we have used McPhillips as a main contractor we have been impressed at the ease at which we have developed a good working relationship to enable the project to be maintained to timeline and budget incorporating both additional work items and some more unusual occurrences on-site."

Richard Allen, London & Cambridge Properties

"We will most certainly use McPhillips again and we will have no hesitation in recommending you to other schools and colleges."

Sheena Hodgson, The Westwood Academy

"The site delivery team were extremely helpful. The site was clearly always orderly, fully resourced and well managed throughout. The workmanship was of the highest quality and the project was delivered on-time and within budget providing The Wrekin Housing Trust with a facility of which we are justifiably proud. Overall WHT is more than happy with McPhillips’ performance on Oakwood and wouldn’t hesitate to work with them again in the future."

Karen Lloyd, The Wrekin Housing Trust

"I will have no hesitation in employing McPhillips on other projects and therefore look forward to working with you again; it was a pleasure working with you and your team, demonstrating a positive approach throughout the project."

Mike Steele, Birmingham City Council

"The quality of the work provided is always of a high standard and every effort is made to accommodate the needs of businesses and residents impacted by the work. With regard to project management, I found the management team and site staff to be amenable at all times. I would highly recommend McPhillips to be considered for any highway regeneration projects or similar works."

Steve Hollins, Telford & Wrekin Council

"McPhillips carried out work for Adams’ Grammar School between May and September 2013. They did so under some stringent conditions imposed by the school and performed admirably to meet significant deadlines. Their work on site was also very impressive; their site manager was most professional and worked seamlessly with our own employee when there needed to be alterations/modifications. They worked very easily around children and kept an appropriate distance from our own work. When it came closer to the deadlines they produced work at an impressive speed in order that we were able to open on time. We will certainly use them again."

Michael Barrett, Adams' Grammar School

"I can truly say that I could not wish to have worked in conjunction with a more impressive and agreeable contractor than McPhillips. Many thanks for the experience."

Peter Oughton, Dogs Trust

"We’re delighted with the work carried out by McPhillips. Thanks to their excellent building and civil engineering experience and skills we’ve been able to create an enriched environment for our dogs."

Clarissa Baldwin OBE, Dogs Trust

"We have no hesitation recommending McPhillips and look forward to the opportunity of working with them in the future."

Pam Edwards, The Wrekin Housing Trust

"McPhillips and their team were professional and efficient from tender stage through to contract completion, with a can do attitude that brought the scheme in on time and on budget within tight constraints."

Bob Nicholson, Pochin Developments

"Everyone has commented favourably on the quality of workmanship and the professional, courteous and organised approach of the men involved. As a consequence, the work was completed to a very high standard, in a very short time with the minimum of noise and disruption to residents."

Diane Peacock, Pengrove Residents Association

"McPhillips performed extremely well with a high quality of workmanship and a professional approach in dealing with the public and businesses in a very busy part of the town. I can confidently recommend McPhillips as a competent and professional contractor and since this scheme, I have worked with them on various projects and would be pleased to work with them again in the future."

Karl Farrow, Cheshire West & Chester Council

"I would have no hesitation in recommending McPhillips."

Paul Harris, Shropshire Council

"The team from McPhillips remained positive and proactive throughout, working with the Council's team to find solutions and deliver an enabled site which was fit for purpose. Their can-do attitude and pragmatic approach has been essential in delivering a successful project for the Council."

Kate Turner, Telford and Wrekin Council

"McPhillips has an excellent understanding of the client's needs and works collaboratively to achieve a quality product."

Peter Parker, Birmingham City Council

“Choosing the right construction partner for our development was crucial. McPhillips proved to be the perfect choice, demonstrating exceptional expertise in delivering precisely what our operation needed. As a Telford-based business ourselves, it was particularly satisfying to work with a local construction partner who understood our needs and delivered such high-quality results. The new facility has significantly enhanced our operational capabilities, and McPhillips’ professional approach made the entire process smooth and efficient."

Robin Dale, Dale Brothers

SHEEP BRIDGE, TELFORD