Corecut – Bridging The Gap

Corecut have been employed to work on the Queensferry Crossing, the new road bridge carrying traffic across the Forth, set to open in 2016. This huge infrastructure project requires a number of specialist construction skills and the selection of Corecut as a contractor cements our place as an industry leader in a number of disciplines including Diamond Drilling, Controlled Demolition and Wall Sawing.

The Forth Road Bridge opened 1964 and remains an engineering masterpiece. However, in recent years the bridge has experienced some deterioration due to increased traffic flow and it was deemed that a new bridge would be required upon the discovery of structural issues in 2005.  

Following a Government consultation in 2007, a decision was taken to construct a new bridge which would go on to be officially known as the Queensferry Crossing.  Construction began in 2011 with Corecut present to complete key tasks.  The new crossing is a cable-stayed bridge and will have three towers which will be 207 metres high upon completion, making it the tallest bridge in the UK by 40 metres, taking the mantle from its predecessor.

The Queensferry Crossing will be able to carry two lanes of traffic in either direction and maintains motorway standards with a hard shoulder to ensure that traffic will continue to flow in the event of a breakdown. The bridge design incorporates wind shielding allowing it to remain open during high winds, something which frequently caused problems on the old bridge.

Ewan Crocker, Corecut Operations Director said: “We have been involved in the project since the enabling works in 2011. Our works have taken us to the top of the towers and extensively on the North and South sides of the new crossing.

"The works undertaken have allowed us to showcase many of the services we offer including Diamond Drilling, Floor Sawing, Wall Sawing, Wire Sawing, Hydrodemolition, Surface Preparation and Anchor Installation, demonstrating that Core Cut Ltd really is the perfect 'one stop shop' when it comes to providing specialist Drilling & Cutting services to the UK Construction Industry."

Work has also taken place on the roads surrounding the new bridge on both sides in order to improve the existing infrastructure with the entire footprint of road improvements covering 22 kilometres. The new bridge will carry cars, motor-cycles and heavy goods vehicles while public transport, cyclists and pedestrians will continue to use the old bridge.

It is expected that the project will be completed for the end of 2016. 

Watch a review of the new bridge's progress in 2015 below.