Spencer Bridge Engineering further establish their extensive service provision to BEAR Scotland following the recent award of a contract to maintain the permanent underdeck gantries on the Queensferry Crossing.
The experts in the field of permanent under deck gantry design and maintenance have been appointed to undertake permanent gantry inspections on the 1.7-mile cable-stayed bridge over a three-year period, as part of BEAR’s Operating Company contract with Transport Scotland.
This latest contract award follows the successful delivery of previous gantry inspections and highlights the value of experience and track record when performing this safety critical function.
On-site work will commence on the 6th of October, with each four-week inspection cycle being carried out every October and March over the next three years, concluding in March 2028.
The inspection process will cover six underdeck gantries and two internal deck shuttles, ensuring all critical assets are thoroughly examined, faults rectified and confirmed safe for operational use on completion of each 6 monthly inspection cycle.
The inspection protocol commences with 100% visual inspection of all structural elements to identify any cracks, deformation, corrosion, or other signs of fatigue that could be compromising the integrity of the gantry.
The visual inspection also includes inspecting drive, electrical control, and safety systems to detect any obvious signs of deterioration and damage that could potentially compromise safe operation.
Upon completion of the visual inspection, the EC&I team will then conduct an inspection of all electrical systems which involves continuity testing, diagnostic checks of both hardware and software and other critical elements throughout the electrical system.
Finally, the drive system, including all secondary safety systems such as parking brakes are thoroughly examined for performance and wear on items such as brake pads and rotating parts. Hydraulic checks will also be conducted to confirm there are no leaks, pressure loss, or cylinder damage that could be compromising the gantry’s safe operation.
Once Spencer-delivered aspects are complete and any redial works have taken place to replace defective items, gantries and runway beams are examined by a third-party for compliance against both PUWER and LOLER.
With the third-party inspection complete, all of the findings are fed into a final report which details all defects found and recommendations for corrective actions which are categorised depending on their level of urgency.
Spencer Bridge Engineering will play a key role in maintaining the safety of workers at Queensferry Crossing. By conducting these inspections every six months, the team will ensure the gantries are operating safely and in compliance with regulations, giving operators and users confidence in the integrity of the equipment.
Steve Bunting, Project Director at Spencer Bridge Engineering, said:
“For the past 2 years our dedicated team of gantry inspection and maintenance engineers have been delivering safe and effective work scopes on all the permanent access systems on Queensferry Crossing.”
“We have a great relationship with our client, BEAR Scotland and are pleased that our competitive tender for the on-going 3-year contract was the successful bid both in terms of quality and value for money.”
David Bishop, BEAR Scotland’s South East Unit Bridges Manager, said:
“The suspended underdeck gantries are important, safety critical assets on the Queensferry Crossing.”
“Following a competitive tender process, BEAR Scotland is pleased to be employing Spencer Bridge Engineering to deliver essential specialist inspection and maintenance activities on these assets so that we can continue to safely inspect, maintain and repair the bridge on behalf of Transport Scotland”
