Matt Smith, Director Of Structures

Working for FM Conway, my key responsibility for the Rochester Bridge Refurbishment Project is to ensure my team have the correct resources and support to deliver the work safely, to the highest levels of quality, with respect to the heritage of the structures and while minimising disruption to bridge users.

Having studied civil engineering at Nottingham Trent University, I’ve worked in the construction industry for 25 years, with the last 12 of those at FM Conway, where I’m also the main link between the project and the FM Conway Board of Directors. During my career I’ve been privileged to work on a number of iconic structures such as Tower Bridge, Waterloo Bridge and the Millennium Footbridge.

In my spare time I manage an under 9s football team in the Maidstone Invicta League, but first and foremost I am a bridge geek and I have been since I was a young boy, so I’m particularly excited to continue my work with bridges by being involved in this refurbishment.

One of the things I’m really looking forward to is when the scaffolding goes up underneath the bridges. This will give us a closer view of the structures and enable us to get started on the metalwork and painting repairs.

I think one of the most challenging elements of the project will be the deep drainage work under Rochester Esplanade. There will be lots of different elements to coordinate to ensure this task runs smoothly and safely.

Speaking on behalf of the whole Structures team, I can say that winning this contract was the highlight of our year. We are pleased to have started work and to be focused on delivering a project we know we will all be very proud of.