Construction of Queensferry Crossing progressing well

07/08/2014 | HIGHWAYS REPORTERS

Work to construct the Queensferry Crossing in Scotland is progressing well.

All three towers have now reached bridge deck level and Transport Minister Keith Brown (pictured) was shown the progress that is being made during a recent visit.

He praised engineers’ efforts so far as they showed him progress from high up on the north abutment. Looking out over the Forth, where the new bridge’s three main towers have shot up over the past 12 months.

Mr Brown said: “This time last year the view across the Forth looked a lot different. Work on the foundations was finishing last summer and the beginnings of the towers themselves started under the water line.

“The progress being made by the men and women building the new bridge is truly impressive. All three of the towers are now at or past the level of the bridge deck. Initial temporary supports and first bridge deck sections are due to be fitted to the Centre Tower’s complex and reinforced “power joint” in the autumn, while work on all three towers continues until they reach their full 210 metre height next summer.

“We can also see the v-shaped support piers for the South Approach Viaduct rising and being completed as the months go past. As each one is erected, the viaduct is then launched further out from the shoreline across the pier. The viaduct has already been launched more than half of its final length.

“Meanwhile on the south road network, the new Queensferry junction is nearly complete and expected to be open shortly. Overall the project remains on schedule and under budget.”

Recent construction at the deck level of the centre tower, known as the "power joint", is the most complex area of any of the towers. It is where the bridge deck will be fixed securely to the Beamer Rock-founded tower, with all the natural expansion and contraction being taken up by large expansion joints at the north and south ends of the bridge. This allows for a continuous smooth road surface to be laid across the length of the crossing.

There’s no requirement for similar joints at the North and South towers, as the deck is only secured to these using sliding bearings which provide lateral stability, with the deck expanding and contracting around the towers.

By the end of this year, assembly equipment will be moved over from the South Approach Viaduct area to the north to start assembly of the shorter North Approach viaduct steelwork. This is expected to be launched into position later in 2015.

Work on the road network connections to the south and north continue to progress well with the new Queensferry gyratory due to open shortly to realign the A904 and work in the Ferrytoll area for the new M90 and local roads layout also clearly taking shape.

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Engineer - Structures

£40,777 - £44,075
Join the successful Structures team, and become a vital team member Broad Lane Office, Yate
Recruiter: South Gloucestershire Council

Assistant Traffic Management Technician - WMF2251e

£26,403 - £26,824
Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking an organised and enthusiastic individual Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Senior Traffic Management Technician WMF2256e

£34,434 to £35,412 (pay award pending)
Westmorland and Furness Council is looking for three experienced and motivated individuals Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Senior Bridge Technician - WMF2257e

£34,434 - £35,412
We are currently seeking to recruit a Senior Bridge Technician to join our Bridges and Structures team. Penrith, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Highways Network Officer WMF2263e

£38,220 - £39,152
In this role, you will assist in leading the South Lakes Area Highways team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Traffic Management Technician - WMF2240e

£28,598 - £29,540
Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking a committed and technically capable individual to join our Traffic Management Team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Senior Technician-Road Closures

£35,422 - £38,730
The Network Planning division is seeking to appoint someone who is enthusiastic and a team player Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Technician - Road Closures (2 Posts)

£29,719 - £31,691
The Network Planning division is seeking to appoint someone who is enthusiastic, an excellent team player Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Structures Inspector

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for two Permanent Structure Inspectors to join our dynamic SBIM team Bristol
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Maintenance Operative

£Competitive
We have fantastic opportunities for a permanent Highways Maintenance Operatives Kettering, Northamptonshire
Recruiter: Amey

Site Manager

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Permanent Site Manager Bristol
Recruiter: Amey

Principal Commercial Manager

£Competitive
The SBIM contract involves delivering inspection and maintenance programmes for National Highways Bristol
Recruiter: Amey

Senior Commercial Manager

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Permanent Senior Commercial Manager Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Maintenance Operative

£Competitive
We have fantastic opportunities for a permanent Highways Maintenance Operatives. Northampton, Northamptonshire
Recruiter: Amey

Managing QS

£Competitive
In this role, you will support the Senior Commercial team in the end to end commercial process for the Area 12 contract. Yorkshire and the Humber
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Inspection Officer

£32,962 - £36,791 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a Highways Inspection Officer to join us! Windsor, Berkshire
Recruiter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

Highways Technical Assistant

£29,064 - £31,537
Are you looking for a varied role in a dynamic and innovative team environment that can make a real difference to North Yorkshire’s highways? Leeming Bar, Northallerton
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Street Lighting Electrical Inspector

£34,434 - £38,220 per annum
Do you hold an ONC in electrical engineering or City & Guilds Electrician? Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior bridge Engineer - WMF2212e

£47,181 - £48,226
You will be the key responsible engineer for this area and will also provide technical advice and guidance to our team Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Civil Enforcement Officer - WMF2221e

£28,598 - £29,540
Are you seeking an active and challenging role, part of a friendly and welcoming team? Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW