Men at work

On our way to Penrith this afternoon we decided to have a look at how the bridge repair was doing at Eamont Bridge. Bimbo and Hazelina have been updating this activity, but I wanted to see for myself how far they had got.

I had not really expected there to be so many vehicles, machines and men around - it's like a huge building site. As we were watching, we got talking to a guy who turned out to be from the cement company, which was supplying the waterproof concrete that was to be pumped into the stonework to stabilise it. He was waiting for a delivery to arrive.
 
When the cement truck arrived, we went onto the pedestrian bridge and joined a few other spectators. Soon the concrete was being poured from the mixer to a chute and from there down a pipe to the bridge. Here you can see the black pipe, through which the concrete was being pumped. The other guy was pushing the concrete into the corners.
 
It was fascinating to watch, but made one think, and marvel at, how the bridge was built originally, without all the equipment, power and technology in use today.
  
If you are interested, the extra photo shows the other side of the bridge and the cofferdam that has been built, so that water could be pumped out in order to give access to the bridge.