Essential bridge access in substation development

River Spey, Inverness

Project Overview

Location	River Spey, Inverness
Sector	Power & Energy
Products	Mabey Universal Bridge

Siemens BAM JV carried out a power line upgrade at the SSE Melgarve substation near Inverness. A temporary bridge was needed that could cope with 197 tonne vehicles and provide an alternate public traffic access route. The existing bridge was not suitable to carry that load.

The temporary bridge was critical to help keep the construction of the new substation (part of the Stronelairg wind farm connection project) on time and on budget.

The challenge

The project required a heavy-duty bridge capable of taking large plant vehicles across a wide river crossing. The bridge needs to enable a 197-tonne load vehicle, which will be delivering a 110 tonne transformer, to the SSE Melgarve substation.

The client needed a full package from design and supply of the bridge to full site installation.

Heavy-Duty River Crossing

The project required a temporary bridge capable of carrying a 197-tonne vehicle transporting a 110-tonne transformer to the SSE Melgarve substation near Inverness.

Full Design & Installation Package

The client required a complete solution, from bridge design and supply through to full site installation. The structure needed to support heavy plant and provide alternative public access, as the existing bridge could not carry the load.

Supporting Critical Infrastructure

Installed as part of Siemens BAM JV’s power line upgrade works, the temporary bridge was vital in keeping the new substation project on programme and on budget.

Our solution

We worked closely with Siemens BAM to create the design, survey the location, schedule the delivery and install on-site.

Our Mabey Universal Vehicle Bridge was selected as perfect for the project, which is our most heavy-duty modular panel bridge.

Learn more about Mabey Universal Bridge

This allowed the client to carry exceptionally heavy loads and provided additional public traffic access for the wider community.

To add to the challenge, tough winter conditions kicked in to make it a more difficult job, for our site installation teams. They are used to working in all conditions, so still managed to install the bridge in just 22 working days – ahead of plan.

Get in touch

“A heavy duty access solution to the project, in an area of high environmental value, was required urgently. Mabey Hire’s response was excellent, rising to the challenge – they worked with us as a team through difficult Scottish weather, and we managed to successfully complete the project ahead of schedule.”

Ian Steele

Project Manager, Siemens BAMA