29.04.2013

First crane for the New Forth Bridge

The first tower crane for the new Forth Bridge in Edinburgh, Scotland has been installed using barge mounted crawler cranes.

The crane, a 40 tonne Liebherr 630ECH 40, is the first of three identical cranes to be erected to build the three 207 metre towers/pylons that will support the new bridge in Rosyth Edinburgh. As the towers are built the crane will be climbed alongside them to a height of well over 200 metres.
Please register to see all images

The first of three Liebherr 630ECH 40 tower cranes is erected on the new Forth road crossing

The Liebherr 630 was supplied and erected by Streif Baulogistik one of Europe’s largest tower crane rental companies. The crane erection crew consisted of four German erectors lead by an Irish supervisor supported by a barge crew that transported the crane to the platform base.
Please register to see all images

A closer look at the tower crane

The 2.7 kilometre bridge will cost £790 million around 30 percent lower than expected - and replaces the 1964 suspension bridge road crossing, which has had its predicted 100 year economic life halved, due to weakened suspension cables, failed expansion joints and mounting maintenance costs. It will continue to be used by buses, taxis, cyclists and pedestrians in the hope that the lighter loading will allow it to see out its original design life. The iconic 1890 railway bridge will remain in place and in use of course.
Please register to see all images

An arists impression of the new bridge ( far left) whcih will be the third crossing of the Firth of Forth

The public have been involved in deciding on a name for the new crossing and yesterday a sort list of five names were released for people to vote on. They are: Caledonia Bridge, Firth of Forth Crossing, Queensferry Crossing, Saltire Crossing and St Margaret's Crossing. The new bridge is expected to open in 2016.