Paul Thomas

Asset Manager

Sustrans/Railway Paths

Paul Thomas is the Asset Manager responsible for the structures managed by Railway Paths and Sustrans, both national charities that promote walking and cycling. Between them the two charities are responsible for approximately 1400 structures throughout England, Scotland and Wales, 69 of which are large dis-used railway viaducts. Bennerley is Paul’s latest viaduct project and since 2019 he has overseen the engineering works required to bring this structure back into public use. As a keen cyclist Paul joined Sustrans in 2006 to help them establish and manage good quality off road cycle routes in northwest England. In 2009 he became the Bridge Engineer for Railway Paths. Previously to this Paul was a civil engineer mostly specialising in water supply and wastewater treatment.

Speaker Sessions

Stream A - Wednesday 9 March 2022

Bennerley Viaduct - from rehab to iron-to-iron challenge

This is the story of a very large wrought iron Victorian railway viaduct that strides across the flood plain of the River Erewash between Derby and Nottingham. This Iron Giant recently experienced a journey that saw it transform from forgotten rusty relic to celebrated and well managed public facility, albeit still rather rusty. This project is characterised by multiple international funding sources, enthusiastic community involvement, prudent spending and sympathetic engineering intervention. With many more disused railway viaducts around the UK, it is hoped that this project might inspire the salvation of similar historic gems.


Kieran Lee , Paul Thomas , Kevin Dentith (CHAIR)

: 14:00-14:25
Kieran Lee Dave Cousins

Countdown

Supported by

OFFICIAL CHARITY

Organised by

Bridges News

The highlight of the bridge engineering year.

Sue Threader, Chief Executive, Rochester Bridge Trust

A great day meeting lots of like-minded people, exploring new innovations and products from exhibitors and listening to some inspiring speakers.

Kevin Dentith, Chief Bridge Engineer, Devon County Council

Excellent networking and knowledge sharing opportunity, everyone who works in bridges should be there!

Liz Kirkham, Network & Strategic Asset Manager, Gloucestershire County Council

Very good conference and excellent networking opportunities.

Paul Tucker, Senior Bridge Engineer & Team Leader, Somerset County Council

Once again a great opportunity to see and hear from market leaders in bridges innovation.

Adrian Worthington, Technical & Design Officer, Wigan Council

The event is always informative, inspiring and relevant - a really good blend of asset owners, researchers, designers and contractors. A must for all bridge engineering professionals!

Phil Raven, Head of Technical Design, Milestone Infrastructure (Oxfordshire Highways)

The event is an opportunity to meet the some main suppliers and service providers in the UK industry
and to gain an understanding of the status quo and the trends in the bridge through the problems faced and solutions found.

Philip Corbett, Concessionaire for the Rion-Antirion Bridge - Greece, GEFYRA SA