NEWCo’s strong relationship with BEAR thrives
The NEWCo team is continuing on a number of bridge projects with BEAR Scotland including works on the Kessock Bridge in Inverness and several swing bridges that span the Caledonian Canal.
Last year, we told how the team would be using an inspection gantry fabricated by AJ Engineering back in 2020 to carry out works to enable pigeon control on the Kessock Bridge.
Now, the team, is replacing seismic buffers on the bridge and is continuing the maintenance works on the swing bridges at Fort Augustus, Abercalder, Banavie and Laggan.
Neil Worsdall, NEWCo manager said: “Our relationship with BEAR Scotland is strong and we continue to work on the maintenance contract with them for the swing bridges and since successfully completing the works to enable pigeon control to take place, we have secured other projects on this important route which connects the Highland capital to the Black Isle.”
Dave Hollands, operations manager is leading on the Kessock Bridge works. He said: “It’s quite an unusual project and what makes it a challenge is the sheer size of the buffers. They are also in a very tight space and we will be using winches and a chain box to get them out. Most of the buffers are on the North Kessock side of the bridge and they are essentially two big shock absorbers. These buffers are changed every four years. The ones that we remove will be sent away and refurbished ready for re-use in four years’ time.”
