Ness Bridge Construction 2049 – Inverness West Link Ness Bridge Construction

Ness Bridge

Ness Bridge in numbers: Overall length 176m (53m + 70m +53m) 4 supports – 2 abutments + 2 in-river piers Composite superstructure – 6 steel girders with concrete deck Steel beam height – variable 1.8 - 3.5m 3750m3 of concrete 1100t of structural steel 590t of rebar 28no. of bridge bearings Works Completion Date – October 2017

Ness Bridge – Temporary Works 2 working platforms – artificial islands in the river 2000 no. dumpy bags 6000t temporary fill 3 temporary bailey bridges – 12m, 15.5m, 22.5m 2 cofferdams – 12m & 15m deep 800m3 concrete to plug the excavation in cofferdams

Ness Bridge – Challenges Tight works programme for in-river works – 3.5 months only Variable and dynamically changing river flow values Extraordinary water surge from SSE Hydropower Plant Protection to environment during in-river works Maintenance of access to the river for third party users: anglers, kayakers, canoeists, walkers Invasive species mitigation measures in works area Superstructure installation

Ness Bridge – Superstructure Assembly and Installation Assembly on the ground – 3 months Installation on supports – 2 weeks Connections – 2 months Installation – 9 pairs of steel beams to be lifted: 190t @ 54.5m radius 140t @ 85.5m radius

Ness Bridge – Installation