News We Capture Two Major Projects in Portsmouth

In 2013, we had the privilege of documenting two significant infrastructure projects in Portsmouth: the replacement of the Northern Road Bridge in Cosham and the construction of a new Park and Ride facility in Tipner. Both projects aimed to enhance the city’s transportation network, and our role was to provide comprehensive time-lapse documentation to capture their development.

Northern Road Bridge Replacement in Cosham

The Northern Road Bridge, originally constructed in 1927, served as a vital artery for Portsmouth, carrying the A397 between the M27 and the A3 over the railway at Cosham. Over time, the bridge’s condition deteriorated, necessitating a full replacement to ensure the safety and efficiency of this crucial route. The bridge was integral to daily commutes, accommodating approximately 60 buses per hour in either direction and over 1,500 vehicles during peak times. It also provided essential access to facilities such as the Queen Alexandra Hospital.

Time-Lapse Projects in Portsmouth

To document this extensive project, we installed our camera system on March 1, 2013, initiating a nearly 12-month observation period. Given that the railway line beneath the bridge remained operational throughout the replacement works, many construction activities, particularly those requiring possession of the tracks, occurred during nighttime hours. This scheduling presented unique challenges in capturing clear and detailed images under varying lighting conditions.

To address these challenges, we utilised our advanced remote camera system, which allowed us to adjust settings in real-time. This capability ensured optimal image quality regardless of the time of day or night, providing a continuous and accurate visual record of the bridge’s replacement process.

Tipner Park and Ride Facility Construction

Concurrent with the bridge replacement, Portsmouth City Council embarked on constructing a new Park and Ride facility in Tipner, aimed at reducing congestion and improving access to the city centre. This £28 million project included the development of a new junction and slip road off the M275, leading to a 663-space parking area designed to serve commuters and visitors alike.

We installed our camera system on June 11, 2013, strategically positioned alongside the M275 to capture the entire construction process. The project’s scope encompassed significant infrastructure developments, including roadworks and the establishment of the parking facility. Our time-lapse documentation provided a detailed visual account of these developments, serving as a valuable resource for project stakeholders.

Collaboration with Portsmouth City Council and Main Contractors

Both projects were commissioned by Portsmouth City Council, with whom we worked closely to ensure our documentation met their specific requirements. Our collaboration extended to the main contractors responsible for the construction activities, facilitating seamless integration of our services into the project workflows.

Throughout the duration of these projects, our team maintained regular communication with all parties involved, providing updates and addressing any concerns related to the time-lapse documentation. This collaborative approach ensured that our services contributed effectively to the overall project management and public communication strategies.

Final Editing and Utilisation of Time-Lapse Sequences

Upon completion of the construction activities, our in-house team undertook the meticulous process of editing the captured footage. The goal was to create cohesive time-lapse sequences that accurately represented each project’s progression from inception to completion.

These final edits have been utilised by Portsmouth City Council and the main contractors to demonstrate every step of these key projects. The time-lapse sequences serve multiple purposes, including public engagement, archival records, and promotional materials, effectively showcasing the transformation of Portsmouth’s infrastructure.

Benefits to the City of Portsmouth

The successful completion of the Northern Road Bridge replacement and the Tipner Park and Ride facility has brought significant benefits to the City of Portsmouth. The new bridge ensures a safe and reliable route for thousands of commuters daily, while the Park and Ride facility offers an efficient alternative to city-centre parking, thereby reducing congestion and promoting sustainable transportation options.

Our comprehensive documentation of these projects not only highlights the city’s commitment to infrastructure improvement but also serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts of all parties involved. We take pride in our contribution to these developments and look forward to supporting similar initiatives in the future.

Documenting the replacement of the Northern Road Bridge in Cosham and the construction of the Park and Ride facility in Tipner has been a significant undertaking for our team. Through advanced time-lapse technology and close collaboration with Portsmouth City Council and main contractors, we have provided detailed visual records of these transformative projects. These records not only serve as valuable tools for project stakeholders but also enhance public understanding and appreciation of the city’s infrastructure advancements.