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Keel Crossing [opened 18.10.25] - compendium thread



PhilY said:
True - and that’s why I was interested to understand why the project was taking so long. Instead, @safcpw just started hurling insults.

I struggle to understand why the electrics are so complex. Surely it’s just running power and controls to X number of lighting units across the length of the bridge?
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Aye, just leave the wires hanging. But seriously, when you saw the main structure go in that wasn’t even halfway there. Fixings then had to go in with bolt protection, land side connections and expansion joints, then reinforcement, then decking, then architectural rail fittings and their fixings, control systems and 5G for lighting, security, interactivity etc. Then, don’t forget on the SOL side, new connections including a subway and rerouting of roads plus landscaping plus landscaping and paving on the opposite side. Forgot to mention the laying of the continuation of the keel line which now stretches onto the bridge. Then, final finishing, paintwork, signage, replacement of temporarily paved areas and final commissioning of lighting, final testing, the civils version of “snagging” and final sign off.
 
Bakerlooline said:
Aye, just leave the wires hanging. But seriously, when you saw the main structure go in that wasn’t even halfway there. Fixings then had to go in with bolt protection, land side connections and expansion joints, then reinforcement, then decking, then architectural rail fittings and their fixings, control systems and 5G for lighting, security, interactivity etc. Then, don’t forget on the SOL side, new connections including a subway and rerouting of roads plus landscaping plus landscaping and paving on the opposite side. Forgot to mention the laying of the continuation of the keel line which now stretches onto the bridge. Then, final finishing, paintwork, signage, replacement of temporarily paved areas and final commissioning of lighting, final testing, the civils version of “snagging” and final sign off.
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Thank you. Clearly you have some knowledge of the job. In your experience, how does progress compare with other, similar jobs you have been involved in in the past?
 
Stella Spark said:
They should have waited until it was finished, rather than have it look ropey on all the opening pictures and videos.

Still can't get over those new buildings on the Sunderland side.
Looks great heading towards the SoL, then heading in the opposite direction it looks like you're entering Gateshead town centre. Some shocking planning/designing. Huge missed opportunity.
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Wee’s this knacker? You have to be on a wind up 😂
 
Bakerlooline said:
Aye, just leave the wires hanging. But seriously, when you saw the main structure go in that wasn’t even halfway there. Fixings then had to go in with bolt protection, land side connections and expansion joints, then reinforcement, then decking, then architectural rail fittings and their fixings, control systems and 5G for lighting, security, interactivity etc. Then, don’t forget on the SOL side, new connections including a subway and rerouting of roads plus landscaping plus landscaping and paving on the opposite side. Forgot to mention the laying of the continuation of the keel line which now stretches onto the bridge. Then, final finishing, paintwork, signage, replacement of temporarily paved areas and final commissioning of lighting, final testing, the civils version of “snagging” and final sign off.
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Just stick a few LEDs on and be done with it.

Tbf I love how all the clueless armchair civil engineers have outed themselves
Rivet Catcher said:
Is the tarmac temporary then?
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Don’t know hasn’t been mentioned…
 
PhilY said:
Thank you. Clearly you have some knowledge of the job. In your experience, how does progress compare with other, similar jobs you have been involved in in the past?
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My only involvement is in the supply chain in a roundabout kind of way. Which I haven’t even mentioned yet as there are major issues getting building materials into the UK at the moment. This is because of shortages due to the current boom in building across the UK and port congestion in Gdansk, Rotterdam, Antwerp, Bilbao, Setubal and Leixoes which are where a lot of our materials come from.
Bakerlooline said:
My only involvement is in the supply chain in a roundabout kind of way. Which I haven’t even mentioned yet as there are major issues getting building materials into the UK at the moment. This is because of shortages due to the current boom in building across the UK and port congestion in Gdansk, Rotterdam, Antwerp, Bilbao, Setubal and Leixoes which are where a lot of our materials come from.
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Oh and Brexit and it’s sinking
 
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Now the dust has settled, one other thing that impressed me about the bridge: as well as playing funny tricks with the way we think about the city, it also manages to turn the stadium around so visitors' first impression includes the West Stand / posh entrance that's usually tucked away from view. You can see the effect here - all part of the improved view.
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Remember all those people complaining that the stadium was built the wrong way round to begin with? Well, they'll have to find something new to complain about now...as unlikely as that may be for them.

On crowding etc: yes, the bridge was pretty packed around 5.45 or so when we went over the last time. But I'd add to that the unusually high number of people heading from the Fan Zone and city centre, the effect of the procession that slowed things down, the single exit from the area in front of the Stables (where loads of people were hanging around to meet friends etc). It’ll be better for football.
 
mikem said:
Now the dust has settled, one other thing that impressed me about the bridge: as well as playing funny tricks with the way we think about the city, it also manages to turn the stadium around so visitors' first impression includes the West Stand / posh entrance that's usually tucked away from view. You can see the effect here - all part of the improved view.
You must be logged on to see external links


Remember all those people complaining that the stadium was built the wrong way round to begin with? Well, they'll have to find something new to complain about now...as unlikely as that may be for them.

On crowding etc: yes, the bridge was pretty packed around 5.45 or so when we went over the last time. But I'd add to that the unusually high number of people heading from the Fan Zone and city centre, the effect of the procession that slowed things down, the single exit from the area in front of the Stables (where loads of people were hanging around to meet friends etc). It’ll be better for football.
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Bit of a bugbear of mine that they have just stolen that photo from someone and not credited him (or her) or asked for permission to use it. But your points are valid.😂

I plan to do a YouTube video later but the editing will take ages so here's a very quick one from last night.
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mikem said:
Now the dust has settled, one other thing that impressed me about the bridge: as well as playing funny tricks with the way we think about the city, it also manages to turn the stadium around so visitors' first impression includes the West Stand / posh entrance that's usually tucked away from view. You can see the effect here - all part of the improved view.
You must be logged on to see external links


Remember all those people complaining that the stadium was built the wrong way round to begin with? Well, they'll have to find something new to complain about now...as unlikely as that may be for them.

On crowding etc: yes, the bridge was pretty packed around 5.45 or so when we went over the last time. But I'd add to that the unusually high number of people heading from the Fan Zone and city centre, the effect of the procession that slowed things down, the single exit from the area in front of the Stables (where loads of people were hanging around to meet friends etc). It’ll be better for football.
Click to expand...

If the main stand had been built on the eastern side (bearing in mind most footy games are played after 3pm) the sun would have played havoc with the TV cameras.
 
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