Video footage from National Highways shows the moment a decommissioned 25-tonne gantry was lowered from the Prince of Wales bridge to the sea below for the first time since the structure's construction.
Over one weekend, a team from National Highways, Amey and Denholm Industrial lowered the 34-metre-wide gantry 40 metres onto a barge, with some of the team suspended from the bridge above as the gantry was lowered.
Mark Maynard, National Highways engineering and construction manager for the Prince of Wales Bridge, said: ‘Many of the motorways and major A-roads we manage were built around 60 years ago and ensuring they remain fit for purpose is an ongoing and constant job, with safety our number one priority.
‘The Prince of Wales bridge spans an area harsh elements and extremes, and a lot of work to maintain it goes unseen. This gantry was a key tool in keeping the bridge operational and replacing it took months of planning.
‘We're delighted to see it removed in such a professional way and thank everyone who has worked on the project so far.'
Typically, the lifespan of a bridge gantry is 20 – 35 years. This marked the first time that one had been removed from the Prince of Wales Bridge since its construction in 1996.
With repairs no longer being cost effective and the gantry coming to the end of its serviceable life, it was lowered in two sections to a barge waiting below and take to be recycled.
Denholm Industrial Services Regional Manager Kyle Davidson added: ‘Despite a challenging scope with complex design and environmental constraints, the team collaborated effectively to overcome the challenges and deliver a successful outcome. We are proud to continue this partnership on the SBIM contract, working closely with our partners National Highways and Amey.'
A replacement is currently being designed and is expected to be installed this financial year.
