What is involved in this project? An 80-metre section of the Kincardine Bridge, the southern piled viaduct, is to be replaced, in a major upgrade for the Category A listed structure.
Why is it necessary to replace the southern piled viaduct? The Kincardine Bridge is made up of multiple connected spans, including a piled viaduct at the southern end, which was structurally assessed by civil engineers in 1983 as substandard in design. Subsequent structural assessments in 2002 and 2022 have provided further clarity on the theoretical load carrying capacity. The viaduct has continued to be closely monitored and a steel propping system was installed in 1992 to provide interim structural support. This project will secure the long-term future of the bridge as a key link over the Forth.
Why has it taken so long to undertake a replacement programme if this was identified as an issue so long ago?
The replacement was programmed and prioritised in relation to other projects from Transport Scotland. Therefore, a steel propping system was installed in order to ensure safety of the road users. The propping system and the southern piled viaduct have been maintained regularly to ensure safety and structural integrity.
How safe is the interim steel propping system – given it’s been there for over 30 years? Engineers monitor it is closely on a weekly basis. Level surveys are carried out regularly to ensure no movement of the steel props. Since the level surveys started, no movement has been identified. As an additional safety precaution, heavy abnormal loads are not permitted to use the structure.
How does the project affect the status of the bridge as a Category A listed structure? The design team has liaised closely with Historic Environment Scotland and Falkirk Council in relation to how the project is undertaken in relation to the protection of its status as an A Listed Structure. Key features from the original viaduct, including lamp posts and parapets, will be reinstated on the new structure. Once complete, the new viaduct will be similar in appearance to adjacent spans on the original bridge.
What are the timeframes of the project? Tender documents were issued in May 2022. The contract was awarded to Balfour Beatty in February 2023. Main works will start on site early in Summer 2023 with a scheduled completion of early 2025.
How much is the replacement going to cost? The estimated value of the replacement contract is £16.85 million.
Who is involved in delivering the project?
Transport Scotland’s operating company for the South East of Scotland, BEAR Scotland is managing the project which will be undertaken by Balfour Beatty. Detailed design was carried out by Jacobs.
Project Details
This is a major project – how disruptive will it be to road users? Disruption to road users will be minimised during the project by diverting traffic along a temporary two-lane bridge, to be constructed alongside the old viaduct. This temporary bridge will also provide access for pedestrians.Short-term lane closures and full bridge closures will still be required for specific construction activities, however these will be limited and timed to minimise disruption
Why is a temporary bridge being built when there is another bridge, Clackmannanshire Bridge, so close by? A key objective of the project is to keep this strategically important trunk road open during construction. Traffic modelling suggests that by maintaining two-way traffic during construction, no significant delays will occur at peak times under normal circumstances.
How can the cost of building a temporary bridge be justified? The temporary bridge will be in position for almost a year, ensuring the safe and continued free flow of traffic at this location. It was considered that this was worthwhile to offset the significant costs to the wider economy of the disruption that a full closure would have caused.
What are the key timeframes for the project? Outlined below are some of the key milestones: – Early Summer 2023 – Start construction of temporary bridge
– Winter 2023 – Open temporary bridge & start demolition of Southern Piled Viaduct
– Early 2024 – Start construction of new Sothern Piled viaduct
– Late 2024 – Tie-in to replacement bridge & removal of temp bridge
– Early Spring 2025 – Project Completion
Environmental Considerations
This area of the Firth of Forth coastline is designated as a Special Protection Area, Ramsar Site and Site of Special Scientific Interest. Will the project risk these environmental designations? All parties involved are fully committed to protecting environmental assets. An environmental impact assessment has been prepared to consider the potential cumulative effects of the proposed scheme and the most effective methods of mitigation. Various measures have already been put in place to protect flora and fauna in the area. Liaison will continue with Scottish Environment Protection Agency, NatureScot and Marine Scotland, in relation to delivering the project with these issues in mind. An Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) will be employed by the contractor to ensure compliance with assessments and agreements with Environmental Organisations. Additionally, an independent Ecological Clerk of Works (Jacobs) is appointed by Transport Scotland to perform surveys of the birds within the saltmarsh and ensure that mitigation measures implemented by the contractor are effective. A key element of the mitigation is the salt marsh management plan, which outlines the process and monitoring which the contractor will undertake to ensure that the Saltmarsh is fully restored upon completion of the works.
Why is it necessary to remove tree? Five trees are required to be removed in order to allow access to the working areas. New trees will be replanted upon completion of the works.
What is being done given this is a known area for bird species such as Kingfishers, Peregrine Falcons and the over wintering birds? Regular surveys have been completed prior to the works to ensure that the works do not have a long-term negative impact on these species. Screening is being erected ahead of the over wintering season to mitigate the impact of construction on the birds that depend on the salt marsh from September through to March.The works are located a sufficient distance from the Kingfisher and Peregrine nests that they should not have an impact however regular surveys by the ECoW will be completed to ensure this is the case.
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