£7.5m Renovation of Forth Bridge Approach Span gets Underway

The project, which commenced in February 2021, has now progressed with the grit blasting work to remove layers of old paint from the North Queensferry approach to the 130-year-old structure. 

Engineers from main contractor Balfour Beatty, who are working in a bespoke encapsulated zone, will then repaint the spans using the iconic Forth Bridge red colour – a job that will not be required again for up to three decades after completion.  

Train services have not been disrupted during the work, which is part of Network Rail’s five-year, £4bn programme of investment in Scotland’s Railway between 2019 and 2024. 

It’s the latest stage of works on and around the iconic structure. The project is expected to be completed early 2022.

Mark Wilson, Project Manager at Network Rail, said: “This is an exciting milestone in our project to refurbish the north approach span to the world famous Forth Bridge. 

“We have planned these works carefully to try and minimise possible disruption to the local community and railway users.  

“Our investment in this work will not only ensure the bridge remains one of the most recognisable structures in the world but will be crucial in our efforts to maintain a safe and reliable railway for years to come. 

“A key element to the work has been the engagement with the North Queensferry community which sits underneath the north approach and we would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding during this essential work.”

The Forth Bridge has been a key part of Scotland’s Railway for over a century and this work on the approach spans to the famous structure is vital to ensure Network Rail continues to maintain a safe and reliable railway. 

For more information about the project, visit https://scotlandsrailway.com/projects/forth-bridge/

Updates and progress on the work will also be available on Twitter: @NetworkRailSCOT.