Mabey Ships 22 Compact Bridges to Costa Rica

UK bridge specialist Mabey has shipped 22 Compact 200 (C200) bridge kits to Costa Rica to aid in disaster preparation and planning.  

The C200 type bridge kits will be delivered as part of a framework with the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MoPT) in Costa Rica. 

Between 2011 and 2014, Mabey supplied over 70 C200 bridges to the MoPT, who renewed the framework for Mabey to supply the additional 22 bridges.  

Mabey has also developed a series of local training courses for the MoPT to guarantee the successful implementation of each of the bridges. 

The C200 bridge is Mabey’s most widely used modular bridge and is based on the design of the famous Bailey Bridge which was developed for military use during the second world war. 

The compact bridge system uses standard, interchangeable steel components to provide robust, rapidly deployed and erected solutions for emergency and contingency bridging applications.  

Mabey Bridge chief executive Michael Treacy said the bridges were an important tool in the recovery from natural disasters.  

“It is impossible to overstate the importance of bridges to reconnecting communities in the wake of a natural disaster,” he said. “With solid planning and preparation, the Costa Rican government is putting itself in the strongest possible position to aid recovery. 

Previously, Mabey set a record time by installing an C200 emergency bridge in Puerto Rico after a hurricane destroyed the original crossing.  

It took Mabey just 19 days to install the new 58 metre modular bridge after the design phase was complete. 

BY CONNOR IBBETSON, From New Civil Engineer