Port Na Craig footbridge refurbishment – Pitlochry

Services: Civil engineering

Built in 1913, the Port Na Craig suspension footbridge crosses the River Tummel near the picturesque town of Pitlochry in Perthshire. Featuring beautiful lattice parapets and a cable suspension system, this historic footbridge is a Category B listed building and one of the longest spanning pedestrian bridges in Scotland.

As part of the celebrations for its centenary anniversary, the bridge underwent an extensive renovation. The scope of works included strengthening the original concrete foundations and the installation of new chains and connections at both ends of the structure. We were appointed civil engineers to the lead contractor, construction firm Diack and Macaulay Ltd. Our involvement included liaising with the local authority to obtain the necessary approvals for the temporary works to allow the contractor to carry out the remedial work.

After carrying out a full analysis of the bridge structure, DRGCS provided the design and detailing of three rolling working platforms, supported on the existing bridge cables. We also designed the soil retention system that enabled the remedial works to the foundations to be carried out safely and economically. The proposed solution was checked and approved by the local authority.

With the renovation work now complete, the Port Na Craig footbridge is back open to pedestrians and should last for another hundred years to come.

St Leonards Bridge renovation – Perth

Services: Civil engineering

St Leonards Bridge sits on a busy road that leads to Perth railway station and the bustling city centre. As a main route into the city, it is a vital part of the local infrastructure. The existing six-span arch road bridge sits near the station above six railway lines. A planned extensive renovation project involved the replacement of footway slabs, repairs to existing steelwork and the resurfacing of the road and pedestrian footway.

DRGCS provided civil engineering services for the project. Our involvement included providing design and detailing for the temporary works for the working cradles which were cantilevered from the existing bridge deck to allow the contractor to carry out the required work. The designs met stringent checks and were approved by the local authority and Network Rail. The work required the closure of the bridge which led to the need to complete the work in as short a time as possible, all whilst allowing Perth Station to continue working as normal.

Upon completion, the renovated bridge was reopened to traffic and pedestrians and is once again a key route into Perth City Centre.