2049 INVERNESS WEST LINK Ness Bridge Construction Ness

2049 – INVERNESS WEST LINK Ness Bridge Construction

Ness Bridge

Ness Bridge in numbers: • Overall length 176 m (53 m + 70 m +53 m) • 4 supports – 2 abutments + 2 in-river piers • Composite superstructure – 6 steel girders with concrete deck • Steel beam height – variable 1. 8 - 3. 5 m • 3750 m 3 of concrete • 1100 t of structural steel • 590 t of rebar • 28 no. of bridge bearings • Works Completion Date – October 2017

Ness Bridge – Temporary Works • 2 working platforms – artificial islands in the river • 2000 no. dumpy bags • 6000 t temporary fill • 3 temporary bailey bridges – 12 m, 15. 5 m, 22. 5 m • 2 cofferdams – 12 m & 15 m deep • 800 m 3 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: • 190 t @ 54. 5 m radius • 140 t @ 85. 5 m radius

Ness Bridge – Installation