Project Overview

Pennys Group Ltd was appointed by Octavius to deliver the demolition of the historic
Winterstoke Road Bridge in Weston-super-Mare. Originally constructed during World War II,
the bridge had served the local community for over 80 years and formed a key crossing over a railway route
between Bristol and the South West.

The demolition formed a critical phase of a wider bridge replacement scheme, undertaken during a tightly
controlled Christmas possession. This placed significant emphasis on safety, precision, programme
certainty, and collaboration.

Project Challenges

The project presented several key challenges:

• Demolition over an active railway, requiring absolute protection of rail infrastructure.
• A restricted working window from Christmas Eve through Boxing Day.
• Large volumes of material to be removed within a short timeframe.
• Maintaining the highest standards of safety and environmental compliance.
• Delivering works during the Christmas period, requiring exceptional workforce commitment.

Through detailed planning and experienced site leadership, Pennys Group Ltd successfully overcame these
challenges and delivered the project safely and efficiently.

Planning & Execution

Pennys Group Ltd deployed a team of 25 operatives, working continuously from 11:00pm on Christmas Eve
through to 9:00am on Boxing Day. Works were meticulously planned and sequenced to ensure maximum productivity
while maintaining full compliance with railway safety requirements.

A fleet of five excavators—including three 35-tonne machines—was mobilised to manage the scale of the structure
and guarantee a controlled demolition within the possession window.

To protect the railway beneath, Pennys Group Ltd installed a comprehensive timber protection system,
designed to safeguard rail assets throughout the demolition. This enabled all works to proceed without risk
to the rail infrastructure below.

Sustainability & Waste Management

Environmental responsibility was a core focus of the project. Pennys Group Ltd implemented a robust
waste management strategy to ensure materials were handled safely and sustainably.

• 150 tonnes of steel removed.
• 2,100 tonnes of concrete and brick processed.
• All materials transported to licensed recycling facilities.
• 100% of material diverted from landfill.

Recovered concrete and brick were processed for reuse as recycled aggregate, contributing to the circular economy
and significantly reducing environmental impact. This reflects Pennys Group Ltd’s ongoing commitment to
sustainable demolition practices and responsible resource management.

Workforce Commitment

Delivering a major demolition during the Christmas period required not just technical expertise but also
dedication, professionalism, and teamwork. The Pennys Group workforce demonstrated total commitment
throughout the shift, working through the festive period to ensure the project was delivered
safely, on time, and to the highest standards.

This dedication was instrumental in achieving programme certainty and maintaining the exceptional safety
standards expected on a railway site.

Project Outcome

The demolition of Winterstoke Road Bridge was completed safely, efficiently, and within the allocated
possession, meeting all client and railway authority requirements.

Key Outcomes

• Zero incidents or damage to railway infrastructure.
• Successful completion within a constrained Christmas possession.
• Full compliance with safety and environmental standards.
• 100% landfill diversion achieved.

The project stands as a strong example of Pennys Group Ltd’s capability to deliver complex,
time-critical infrastructure works in challenging environments.

Project Team Commentary

“This was a complex and time-sensitive project delivered over the Christmas period, and the commitment
shown by the Pennys workforce was exceptional. Every individual gave 100% to ensure the works were
delivered safely, efficiently, and without compromise. Protecting the railway, achieving full landfill
diversion, and meeting programme demands are outcomes the team should be extremely proud of.

This project is a clear demonstration of Pennys Group Ltd’s professionalism, planning capability, and
dedication to excellence.”

Conclusion

The Winterstoke Road Bridge demolition highlights Pennys Group Ltd’s strengths in rail-sector demolition,
strategic planning, sustainability, and workforce reliability. By delivering a complex project under
challenging conditions, Pennys Group Ltd once again demonstrated its ability to support major infrastructure
programmes with confidence, competence, and care.