Overview
As the commissioning engineer for the bridge project, I’ve got a pretty unique gig. This isn’t just any bridge; it’s a road bridge being built to stretch over a Suffolk, England. And it’s not just any bridge in England, either – it’s set to be the world’s largest rolling bascule bridge, which is pretty cool if you ask me. This giant is powered by hydraulic cylinders to lift, making it a marvel of modern engineering. With the bridge slated to open in April 2024, it’s a significant infrastructure project that’s going to provide a crucial link for transportation in the area.
So, what’s my day-to-day like on such an epic project? Well, it involves a lot of coordination, starting with getting our electricians to properly connect all those electrical panels. It’s crucial to make sure everything is set up correctly from the get-go, ensuring that the bridge not only operates smoothly but safely too.
After we get all those connections in place, I jump into testing the panels to make sure they’re working just right. And with something as big as the Gull Wing, you can bet there’s a lot to keep an eye on.
Running the Hydraulic Power Units (HPUs) is another big part of my job. These are what make the bridge actually lift, so getting them tuned perfectly is key. And then there’s the precision work of adjusting the hydraulic cylinders to make sure the movement is smooth and exactly what we need.
Programming the software is another critical task. This bridge isn’t just a massive structure; it’s got brains too. I’m the one who programs those brains, making sure the bridge knows what to do and when to do it, from lifting to handling different scenarios that might come up.
Troubleshooting is inevitable in a project this size, so when things go sideways, I’m the one figuring out the problem and setting it right. And with the Human-Machine Interface (HMI) screens, I ensure the bridge’s operators can easily control and monitor everything that’s happening.
In essence, my role here is a mix of electrician, mechanic, software developer, and troubleshooter. It’s a job that keeps me busy, but working on something as groundbreaking as the Gull Wing Bridge, with its significance and the challenges it presents, is incredibly rewarding. Seeing all the parts come together for a project that’s going to make such a big difference in the area is something I’m really proud to be part of.
