John Lawrie Group has been helping in the continued clean-up operations after a succession of powerful storms and severe flooding devastated parts of north-east Scotland over Christmas and the New Year.

On the River Don, water levels reached a 45-year high during a night of heavy rain caused by Storm Frank.

In Aberdeen’s Dyce area, a redundant waste pipe and steel bridge had been washed away and had become lodged in the riverbank adjacent to a well-used footpath and very close to overhead powerlines. The bridge, which measured 50 metres in length and weighed 25 tonnes, required safe removal and disposal.

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Prior to any work commencing, a full risk assessment was carried out by John Lawrie Group’s health and safety, and operations managers. Specific risk assessments and a method statement were produced by the company for approval by Aberdeen City Council who commissioned the operation.

The aim was to remove the waste pipes and frame from the River Don with the minimum amount of downsizing and cutting necessary at the site. Heavy plant and transport was required, however, John Lawrie Group was fully committed to reducing the potential for damage caused to footpaths and grassy areas.

Using a Liebherr 944 complete with shear attachment and a Liebherr LH40 material handler, John Lawrie Group was able to downsize and remove the bridge from the River Don within three working days. The removed items were then loaded onto vehicles and transported to John Lawrie Group’s treatment facility in Aberdeen for processing.

Commenting on the operation, Douglas MacDonald, an engineer at Aberdeen City Council said: “The John Lawrie team executed the works promptly and professionally.”

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