The construction of the new Rannoch Road bridge in Killiecrankie, Scotland, marks a major step in modernizing local infrastructure. Replacing the 128-year-old bridge across the Highland Main Line, the project will require a £3 million ($3.38m) investment and approximately six months of work, as estimated by Network Rail.
To ensure minimal inconvenience to residents and maintain traffic flow, a temporary bridge has been installed near the existing structure. AmcoGiffen, the project’s main contractor, collaborated with Sarens, a global leader in heavy lifting and engineering solutions, to execute this critical phase. Sarens utilized an LTM 1450-8.1 crane to install the temporary structure, laying steel mats for a stable foundation and enabling the safe handling of heavy loads.
The project began with the dismantling of the old bridge in December, during a 54-hour planned rail possession. Pre-built sections of the new bridge were installed, followed by three overnight shifts in January to lift and place new precast parapets. Once the new bridge is fully operational, the temporary bridge will be dismantled.
Andrew Winter, Sarens’ UK Country Manager, emphasized the significance of the project:
“We are proud to contribute to such an important initiative that ensures the safety and efficiency of road and rail traffic in Killiecrankie. This project reflects our commitment to reducing community impact while delivering high-quality infrastructure.”
This bridge replacement is a component of Scotland’s £1.95 billion railway modernization effort. Despite the complexity of the work, disruptions to both road and rail traffic were limited, with rail closures confined to two consecutive weekends in December.
