Bridge installation work taking place this weekend for Wellingborough's Stanton Cross scheme

The beams, which will form a key part of the new rail crossing at Stanton Cross in Wellingborough, have been supplied by bridge specialists Briton Fabricators.

The Nottingham-based company, which employs 85 staff, is one of the leading UK experts in the manufacture of steel components for major infrastructure projects.

The six beams are 41m long and weigh more than 30 tonnes each.

They have taken four months to produce, with manufacturing of the beams beginning last October.

The beams were then transported from Nottingham to Doncaster, where they were grit blasted to create the required surface finish, ahead of being delivered to the Stanton Cross site in January.

The beams will be assembled on site this weekend (February 25/26) and will be lifted into position using an 1,100 tonne crane.

There are only three of these cranes in the whole of the UK.

John Lougher, Bovis Homes group land director responsible for Stanton Cross, said: “The bridge installation work is an important milestone in the progression of Stanton Cross and we are delighted to be able to use local skills and experience to bring it to fruition.

“It is vital for projects like Stanton Cross to support key local industries like this where possible and tap into the substantial expertise within them.

“We are looking forward to pressing forward with the plans and taking the next steps for Stanton Cross.”

Another Nottingham-based company, ABM Precast Solutions, are set to supply the steel components to be used for the subsequent construction of the river bridge and for reinforcing concrete works.

In 2016, the UK steel industry employed 18,000 people and, in 2015, it contributed over £2.3bn to the UK balance of trade.

The rail bridge, located to the north of Wellingborough train station, and the River Bridge, which will cross the River Ise, are integral parts of the first major road route in Stanton Cross, Route Four.

Route Four will run from Midland Road, across the railway and through a new town and country park into the new development.

Stanton Cross is a major residential-led development set to deliver 3,650 houses as well as jobs, shops and community facilities for Wellingborough.