Mabey takes order for Scotland’s first Delta bridge

Mabey Bridge has secured the job to supply its first long-span Delta bridge for Scotland to link the islands of Great Bernera and Lewis in the Western Isles.The single-span steel bridge will replace the existing concrete bridge which was immediately closed to traffic over 7.5 tonnes because of the poor condition of the structure.It will provide safe access to vehicles up to 44 tonnes across a width of 4.2m, including a 1m pedestrian walkway.The original Bernera Bridge was built in 1953 and is believed to be the first pre-stressed concrete road bridge in the UK. The vital transport corridor connecting the two islands crosses Loch Roag, a fast-flowing inlet of the Atlantic.The Delta bridge design alleviates the need for intermediate piers, allowing quicker, easier installation – a significant advantage, particularly in time-critical projects such as this.The Delta bridge in Scotland is expected to be completed this summer.