A new overbridge on a busy Buckinghamshire road was built as part of the HS2 railway project by EKFB, a joint venture of major engineering firms. Mekina Industries supplied custom GRP Mek-Dek panels, which simplified installation, reduced resource use, and enhanced safety. This collaboration ensured seamless integration with existing infrastructure and improved accessibility across the railway line.
The construction of new overbridges is an integral part of HS2’s goal to create a modern, efficient, and safe high-speed railway system that can coexist seamlessly with the existing transport infrastructure. The installation of this new overbridge in Buckinghamshire was managed by EKFB – a collaborative joint venture harnessing international expertise from prominent civil engineering and construction leaders: Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction, and BAM Nuttall.
Located on an extremely busy A road, the newly constructed overbridge allows vehicles to pass over the newly built HS2 railway, improving access to both sides of the track. The primary challenges of constructing this overbridge involved managing the project’s complexity whilst ensuring safety throughout, particularly in spanning the rail tracks without causing any interference.
The formwork demanded specialised adaptations, as conventional solutions would have proved insufficient to meet the technical requirements. Mekina Industries, an expert formwork designer, manufacturer, and supplier, was selected to supply the overbridge due to our ability to provide a bespoke solution using GRP Mek-Dek Formwork panels. Mek-Dek Haunched Panels were chosen to ensure the continuation of the haunch from the underside, with specific measures implemented to prevent accidental dislodgement, thereby enhancing both safety and overall reliability.
Modular and lightweight, Mek-Dek Panels are highly manoeuvrable, requiring less person-power and fewer resources for transportation and installation. They offer a safe working platform, installed from above, streamlining the construction process and enhancing safety on-site. Because they remain in place, there is no need to dismantle and remove them, saving valuable project construction time. After determining the required panel specification to carry the concrete deck, Mekina initiated our custom manufacturing process.
Throughout this project, we maintained close collaboration with the EKFB design team, ensuring constant communication to promptly address on-site challenges and maintain a clear understanding of project requirements from start to finish.
EKFB
Eiffage
Kier
Ferrovial Construction
BAM Nuttall
Mek-Dek Standard Panel
Mek-Dek Haunched Panel
Custom-made to order for the A421 overbridge project to minimise waste, our products reduce unnecessary resource usage and helped enhance the overall sustainability credentials of the project.
We approached Mekina for this complex structure based on their reputation. Mekina successfully passed our rigorous onboarding process and delivered an excellent product on schedule. We are now collaborating with Mekina on several projects, leveraging their quality and expertise.
EKFB Spokesperson
XWR4+P2 Buckingham, UK
Get to know the team behind Mekina Industries – who are dedicated to giving your project The Edge through the greenest GRP formwork in the industry and unrivalled technical assurance.
With decades of experience in GRP permanent formwork and other bespoke GRP construction products, I focus on providing exceptional service to our valued customers in the highways and transport industries.
Director of Sales Operations
Our GRP formwork panels offer a distinct advantage: the elimination of the need for access beneath the structure during installation. Our lower embodied carbon and recyclability gives us the Edge over traditional formwork methods.
Director of Manufacturing Operations
My expertise in composites engineering empowers me to navigate complex design challenges, ensuring that Mekina’s engineering support to clients achieves the highest standards of efficiency, quality and sustainability.
Head of Engineering
As a Structural Engineer, I’m passionate about prioritising the safety and integrity of the solutions we provide to clients in the highways and transport sectors. My particular specialism is in finite element analysis (FEA) of GRP composite materials.
Structural Design Manager
My skillset combines engineering expertise, a deep understanding of materials and proficiency in using computational tools for analysis and design. Load testing Mekina products is key to understanding their long-term performance.
Composite Material Engineer
