Spencer Bridge Engineering has been appointed by BEAR Scotland to install a new Limpet mechanical rope access rescue system within all four towers of the 1.05km bridge connecting North Kessock and Inverness. The advanced system will significantly enhance worker safety by enabling more efficient rope access rescues in the event of an emergency. Critical enabling works will also be undertaken through pylon strengthening to facilitate the installation of new access hatches required for the rescue system.
The project scope is focused on the manufacture, supply, installation, and commissioning of the new rescue system, working to a design developed by BEAR Scotland’s designers, Jacobs.
The advanced system has modified the previous pylon layout, where staggered side-to-side openings made rescue efforts lengthy and difficult. The new design introduces a continuous vertical opening, allowing direct vertical access through the pylons and significantly reducing both rescue time and effort.
Before installing the rescue system, the project team needed to conduct strengthening works on each pylon, as the required modifications would otherwise compromise the existing structures. From levels 1 to 6, this involved welding and installing stiffening ring beams and angles, cutting new hatch openings, fitting hatch covers and vertical access ladders, repairing heat-damaged paint on the exterior pylons, alongside other works.
Strengthening Upgrade works on levels 7-13 have also been undertaken and included the replacement of the mesh deck and support steelwork with prefabricated strengthening steel, GRP decking, and new hatch covers to improve durability and ensure safer long-term access for maintenance teams.
Significant progress has been made since on-site work began. Strengthening and welding works have been completed and the new Limpet mechanical rope access rescue system has now been installed and commissioned across all four pylons. The client, BEAR Scotland, have provided positive feedback on programme delivery, collaboration and the overall quality of works delivered.
Internal painting is also complete, and subcontracted rope access technicians are currently carrying out the external painting works which are progressing at pace. The project is due to be completed in August, in excess of a month ahead of the contract schedule.
