Industrial Painting Containment for Costain’s Rail Underbridge overthe M5
- EcoShrink
- Jan 14, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
EcoShrink delivered industrial painting containment for Costain on a rail underbridge spanning the M5 motorway near Churchdown, Gloucestershire. A heavy-duty shrink wrap enclosure was installed around the bridge soffit so blasting and industrial painting could take place above a live motorway and under a live railway without exposing road users or the surrounding area to debris, dust or overspray.
Project overview
Costain needed to complete blasting and industrial painting to the underside of a rail underbridge over the M5 motorway. The bridge carries a live railway above and sits over live motorway traffic below, creating a tight window for works during night-time lane closures only. Standard sheeting or partial protection would not give the level of control required for debris, dust and overspray in such a sensitive location.
EcoShrink installed a heavy-duty shrink wrap containment enclosure around the underbridge, providing a sealed work zone where blasting and painting could continue while the motorway and railway remained operational.
Challenges on site
Bridge located directly above a live motorway and carrying a live railway Limited nightshift windows tied to planned motorway lane closures – delays not acceptable for programme Complex bridge geometry with multiple angles, beams and supports to enclose Constant vibration and noise from high-speed traffic below and rail movements above Need for a containment system that was robust, cost-effective and practical to install in short shifts
Our solution
EcoShrink designed an industrial shrink wrap enclosure specifically for the M5 underbridge, focusing on robustness, fit and speed of delivery.
Scope & planning: Reviewed bridge drawings, site photos and access constraints around the M5 and rail line. Planned how the containment would be broken into sections to match the structure’s supports and soffit profile. Aligned installation with Costain’s nightshift closures so work could progress safely in each window.
Heavy-duty shrink wrap enclosure: Selected a heavy-duty industrial shrink wrap grade designed for high wind speeds and constant vibration from motorway and rail traffic Installed the wrap around the bridge underbelly and supports to form a full containment enclosure for blasting and painting Used heat to tension and weld the material into a tight, continuous skin, reducing movement and flapping in the live environment.
Blasting and painting containment: Detailed joints and overlaps to minimise gaps where debris, dust or overspray could escape, creating a dedicated blasting and painting enclosure Provided controlled access points so operatives and equipment could enter the enclosure safely from approved work areas Ensured the system remained practical for both surface preparation and industrial coating works under the same canopy.
Weather and programme support: The sealed enclosure offered an all-weather working area, helping to reduce stoppages from wind and rain that would otherwise halt blasting and painting Nightshift installation was sequenced so sections of containment were completed and ready to use within each closure, limiting disruption to motorists
Results
Full industrial containment for blasting and painting delivered within one week of nightshifts, meeting the project’s compressed programme Motorway traffic and the rail line remained operational, with works carried out during planned closures and without additional disruption Debris, dust and overspray from blasting and painting were kept within the enclosure, supporting environmental and safety controls around the live motorway and rail route.
Reduced weather-related delays for surface preparation and coating works, helping maintain continuity on a critical phase of the project A practical, repeatable industrial containment method proven in a highpressure live infrastructure setting
Similar projects & next steps
EcoShrink applies the same industrial containment methods on bridges, demolition projects and heavy industrial sites where blasting and painting must take place near live infrastructure. For more examples, see our Containment Case Studies hub, or visit our Industrial Containments service page for methods, options and FAQs.
If you’re planning blasting or industrial painting over live roads, rail or sensitive environments, share your drawings, access constraints and key dates and we’ll return a costed containment method and earliest start dates. Use the shrink wrap calculator
Get in Touch
Are you looking for a trusted partner to deliver shrink wrap for demolition, environmental containment solutions for industrial sandblasting, or shrink wrap containment systems for your next project? At EcoShrink, we specialise in temporary containment solutions that meet strict safety standards, reduce downtime, and protect the environment. Contact us today to explore how our best shrink wrap systems for painting industrial machinery and demolition processes can drive efficiency on your job site.
