Lifting bridge floated into position

Working on behalf of main contractor Hochtief UK, Cleveland Bridge positions the first of five spans for the Poole Harbour Second Crossing using mobile jacks and a barge.

During July three spans were floated into position, including the mid-span section which features two hydraulically operated lifting segments. Normally the joint between lifting sections is transverse, but on this bridge they are skewed across the deck creating two triangular shapes, which when raised are said to mirror yachts. Because of this the structure has been dubbed the ‘Twin Sails’ bridge.

Ben Binden, Cleveland Bridge Project Manager said: “To keep the busy Holes Bay entrance open to boats, we will erect the final two spans, using the same jacking and barge method, during October.”

This hiatus allows the main contractor to complete the decks of the positioned spans and also install and commission the hydraulics for the lifting segments. Once installed and ready, boats will be able to enter the Bay via the new mid-span lifting section, while the remainder of the bridge, spans four and five, are completed.