This morning the last section of the new Queensferry Crossing was lifted into place.
This third bridge at North and South Queensferry now links Fife to the southern shore of the River Forth.
There have been 122 section lifts in total and this is now a landmark in the construction of the new bridge.
Each section weighs about 750 tonnes, is 40 metres wide and about 16 metres long. The final closure unit was only 12.1 metres long, but it still required a painstaking very precise lift to ensure that it fell into place correctly.
This is a video of the first deck lift using the balanced cantilever method:
The bridge is 2,633metres long with the approach viaducts on north and south included.
Work now turns to the completion of the deck of the south approach viaduct.
Michael Martin, Project Director for Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors (FCBC) said:
“This final deck lift is the culmination of a world class team effort stretching all the way back to the very first day of construction in 2011.
“The final “closure” is always one of the most significant milestones in any bridge construction programme. On a bridge of this magnificent scale, well, it’s more than a bit special. It is a real pleasure to pay tribute to the skill and dedication of everybody involved and to congratulate them on an outstanding achievement.
“We are now focused on completing the huge range of finishing works and bringing the Project to a successful conclusion.”
Economy Secretary Keith Brown witnessed the preparations for a historic moment as engineers start to lift the last section of deck on the Queensferry Crossing.
He said: “The public have been fascinated by the spectacular progress on the Queensferry Crossing. While there is a lot of work left before opening to traffic in May, completing the deck represents a true landmark moment that we’ve all been looking forward to.
“It’s the moment Fife and Edinburgh are connected by a third, stunning structure across the wide waters of the Forth. It’s a privilege to be here to see it.
“Every time I visit the bridge I’m struck by the expertise and endeavour of the workforce. Today is a hugely important milestone, one everyone involved should be very proud of. I’m sure I speak for many of us when I thank them all for their continued hard work and this fantastic progress .”
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
