1. Ness Bridge Construction
2049 – Inverness West Link
Ness Bridge Construction

2. Ness Bridge

3. 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 m
3750m3 of concrete
1100t of structural steel
590t of rebar
28no. of bridge bearings
Works Completion Date – October 2017

4. 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

7. 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

8. 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:
54.5m radius
85.5m radius

9. Ness Bridge – Installation