This snapshot taken on 07/01/2011, shows web content selected for preservation by The National Archives. External links, forms and search boxes may not work in archived websites.
The new Clackmannanshire Bridge provides an important link in the Forth Valley area, serving the north east and north of Scotland and alleviating traffic on the existing Kincardine and Forth Crossing bridges. It aims to bring much needed environmental benefits to the local community, which was kept involved throughout the process.
The chosen position for the crossing created an effective by-pass for Kincardine. The bridge was launched from a brownfield site on the north bank, minimising the impact on the salt marsh and areas of environmental interest on the south bank.
The three-cell, incrementally launched, concrete box girder was selected as the optimum design. The low-impact, ribbon-like profile takes it relatively close to the water, while still providing sufficient navigational height and span.
A mono-pile design was developed and was drilled from a jack-up barge. This was a substantial step forward in bridge building techniques, given the complex geology beneath the firth.
"Construction innovation and streamlined engineering are hallmarks of a bridge that relieves the local town of excess traffic."