One of the most significant bridge projects in the world, the new £790m Queensferry Crossing spanning the river Forth in Scotland, is set to enter a major new phase as work progresses on schedule and on budget.
More than 10% of the deck has been laid already either side of the bridge’s massive three main towers, which now stand at over half of their final 210-metre height, with the remaining deck to be laid from this Spring.
Speaking to Transport Network, a Transport Scotland spokesman said the focus of construction activities on the main Queensferry Crossing from late Spring would include the start of installation of the three deck fans.
At the same time construction will progress on the main towers, and closer to the shore work will shift to the north side of the river where the approach viaduct is currently being fabricated ahead of being pushed out across the piers towards Autumn of this year - the south approach viaduct having been fully assembled last year.
In terms of preparing for this next phase, a spokesman added: ‘The installation of anchor boxes into the concrete towers is vital as they are needed to attach the cables to the bridge deck and build out the fans of the bridge itself piece by piece. In order to install the anchor boxes the towers need to reach the appropriate height - so the ongoing work to increase the height of the towers is an important preparation.
‘As regards the deck itself, the 250 tonne steel tub sections have 500 tonnes of concrete added in situ in our Rosyth plant. The process of preparing the deck sections is well underway as we get ready for installation on to the bridge itself and the deck unit delivery barge is currently being fitted out in the Rosyth Dockyard.’
Infrastructure secretary Keith Brown recently visited the project and celebrated the work, which is on target to culminate with the opening of the bridge in late 2016.
‘At the heart of this Government’s Economic Strategy is the importance of boosting competitiveness. Well-targeted investment in infrastructure is one of the drivers of growth, and can also help to open up economic opportunities for communities and businesses. The Queensferry Crossing is an excellent example of how Government investment is helping to strengthen the wider Scottish economy,’ he said.
‘There are now over 1,000 people working on the project in what is a 24 hour operation out on the water. The entire scheme has been widely praised as a shining example of good, efficient project management.’
A spokesman for Transport Scotland explained how joint working was at the heart of the project management success.
‘Maintaining a positive relationship between the client, Transport Scotland and the contractor, Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors (FCBC) is vital in maintaining momentum right across the project. The teams are co-located in the same office on the site in Rosyth and work closely together to ensure that all issues are discussed and resolved at the lowest level and in a timely manner. Regular open communication is vital in ensuring momentum is maintained,’ he said.
