26 April 2021
A multi million pound project to replace the Inner Lock gates at Alfred Docks is underway.
The Inner gates at Alfred Locks play a crucial role in enabling the safe navigation of vessels passing between the River Mersey and Birkenhead docks.
Some 45 years ago, the existing gates were brought over from Liverpool’s Brunswick Dock and installed at Alfred Locks. Whilst these gates provided many years of safe operations, Peel Ports Group identified the replacement of the gates as a priority to ensure the locks can continue to operate for years to come.
As a result of this decision, a new set of lock gates are soon to be installed.
Peel Ports Group have commissioned Ravestein BV to replace the existing inner lock gates. Ravestein BV are a company that specialises in the fabrication of heavy steel structures including bridges and lock gates.
The first phase of this complex project comprises repairing the sill and replacing the pintle hinge points at the bottom of the lock. These works utilise limpet dams and a temporary underwater tunnel, with the first phase of works now complete.
New, modern designed gates, are programmed to be installed at the start of June, and will go on to serve visiting marine traffic for many more years to come.
This significant investment of £3.5 million demonstrates the ongoing commitment of Peel Ports to provide safe and reliable passages for all vessels through our ports and waters. The works at Alfred Dock is part of Peel Ports multi million pound investment to also replace lock gates at QEII dock and Langton dock.
Ralph Conway, Project Manager said: “I am proud to be part of the multi-disciplinary team of in house engineers, consultants, contractors and suppliers that are delivering this project and look forward to its completion in the coming weeks”