Bernera, we have touchdown

23 September 2021

The last stretch of the main span modular structure for the new Bernera Bridge is ready to be pulled over the water.

Interlocking parts of the bridge have been built piece by piece on site on the Lewis side. As the structure gradually lengthened it was rolled out in stages towards Bernera.

The assembly phase is now complete with the last few metres waiting to be eased across.

The structure has “touched down” on Bernera soil councillors have been told after the stabilising “nose” reached across the sea strait and landed on the island shore.

The construction team will complete the installation as quickly as possible by pushing the bridge into the final location.

The structure will be gently manoeuvred and carefully lowered into the precise spot.

The temporary “nose” - used to reduce shear during the roll out - and interim running beams will be then be dismantled.

Defects discovered last year on the present structure resulted in an urgent 7.5 tonne weight limit being imposed which prevents mid-sized lorries, artics and road tankers from using the road link over Loch Roag.

Going for a single span steel trussed modular bridge offered significant advantages over more traditional construction techniques.

Decking has also been installed on the structure below the crane jib on the left hand side of the photo

The “nose” has reached Bernera