Sarens completes transport and installation of Clyde Swing bridge sections

Heavy lifting and engineered transport specialist Sarens completed the transport and installation of two bridge sections for the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside swing bridge project in Glasgow, Scotland.

This significant new river crossing on the Clyde River is a joint venture by Smulders and Hollandia Infra. The two-wing design bridge will connect the north and south banks of the river between Renfrew, Clydebank, and Yoker, roughly 8 km west of Glasgow city centre.

The bridge, designed to accommodate vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, also features rotating pylons that mimic the motion of cranes, paying homage to the Clyde’s maritime heritage. Sarens, contracted by Smulders, played a critical role in transporting and installing the two bridge sections, each weighing approximately 1,600 tonnes and measuring 92 metres long, 18 metres wide, and 38 metres high.

The south bridge, constructed by Hollandia Infra in Rotterdam, Netherlands, required a specific approach due to space and ground pressure limitations. Sarens utilised a configuration of 6×10 axle lines of self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs) to move the bridge section to the quayside. Here, three shearlegs lifted the bridge section for loading onto the Sarens barge Caroline.

The north bridge, constructed by Smulders in Flushing, Netherlands, presented a different logistical challenge. This section was transported using 32-axle SPMTs directly onto the barge during a load-out operation.

Following securement, both bridge sections were barged to Glasgow. Pre-assembled SPMTs (two sets of 12-axle units) were then used to precisely manoeuvre each bridge section onto its final position on temporary jacks.

A crew of 14 Sarens personnel worked in double shifts to minimize the barge’s time in the busy Glasgow navigation channel. Due to limited water depth, a ramp structure on piles was required to bridge the gap between the barge and the quayside, with the longest gap reaching approximately 18 metres.

According to Sarens project manager, Kenny Decoster, “The Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside swing bridge will significantly improve connectivity in the region and reflect the historic significance of the Clyde’s maritime industry. Sarens is very proud to be involved in this landmark project.”