A New Vision for Scotland
Blake Group has been involved in many aspects of this amazing project and the abutment glass canopies are a fine example of the precision design and execution required at the Queensferry Crossing.
Tom Stewart of FCBC
As part of the delivery and consultancy teams for the largest infrastructure project of its kind in Europe, in 2011 Blake Group was appointed by FCBC (Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors) to provide a secondment team of engineers to the Queensferry Crossing (formerly the Forth Replacement Crossing).
The bridge carries the M90 motorway across the Firth of Forth between Edinburgh, at South Queensferry, and Fife, at North Queensferry – creating an East Coast gateway to Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness as well as the spectacular Highlands of Scotland.
Blake Group was involved from the outset firstly constructing the aggregates supply stores by inventively ‘value-engineering’ disused railway sleepers then as construction progressed, secondary steelworks, railings, access enclosures, internal walkways, gantry and shuttle beams, Fuel Dispensing Tanks and signage.
Particular Blake Group features that can be seen operationally today include the abutment* structures to the North and South Enclosure structures.
[*abutment: “…a structure built to support the lateral pressure of an arch or span, e.g. at the ends of a bridge.”]
On the opening of the Queensferry Bridge, Managing Director Ronnie Blake commented, “The team has taken the greatest pride in this project as it’s an unmissable landmark that future generations will benefit from and enjoy.
“As the largest single engineering feat Blake Group has been involved with to date, it is testimony to the quality of craftsmanship that has built our reputation since 1938. I wish to thank all our team whether based in head office or on site, for the dedication and hard work they put into every job and contract we undertake large or small.
“I doubt another bridge contract will come along like it, but as a firm, we will strive to continue providing the same level of quality craftsmanship to both our large commercial clients and private domestic customers no matter what their steelwork requirement”.
Almost a decade on, Blake Group continues to work with the team from the Queensferry Bridge.
These stainless steel plaques have been fabricated with great precision by The Blake Group and are a fitting addition to the bridge’s abutments marking the year this grand structure will open.
Andy O’Kane of FCBC