Ross Bridge Successfully Lifted for Refurbishment Works

Ross Bridge has been successfully lifted onto a barge as part of its ongoing refurbishment, following a narrow weather window early this morning, Monday 23rd February.

The 26-tonne structure was craned onto a 40-metre barge and will be transported to A&P Falmouth for repair works later this week.

Calm Seas Allow Operation to Go Ahead

Recent wind and sea conditions had delayed the complex lift, with Cormac closely monitoring forecasts to find a safe and suitable window to proceed.

That opportunity arrived in the early hours of 23rd February.

At 6am, the tug Vixen manoeuvred the 40-metre barge into the channel between the dry dock and causeway, positioning it carefully. A 650-tonne crane, one of only four of its type in the country, was already in place on the sea wall ready for the lift.

Using specialised lifting rigging to balance the load evenly, the 26-tonne bridge was connected via pre-rigged lifting points and straps. The crane was stabilised with a 90-tonne counterweight before the lift began.

The bridge was then slowly raised, lifted over the sides of the barge, lowered into position and secured for transport.

During the operation, the sea wall was continuously monitored for any signs of movement caused by the combined weight of the crane, bridge and lifting equipment.

By 8am, Ross Bridge was being towed around to the harbour basin, where it now awaits its onward journey to A&P Falmouth. The next stage will take place once sea conditions around Lizard Point are confirmed to be safe and suitable.

📷Ross Bridge in Penzance is lifted out and put on a barge on Monday 23 February ready to be taken for refurbishment works in Falmouth. Photo by Penzance Council

Temporary Bridge to Follow

With Ross Bridge now removed, a temporary bridge will be installed in the coming days to allow the road to re-open for this stage of the project. This installation will also depend on securing the next available window of calm weather.

Cormac have said they are hoping to have the bridge back in place before Easter, although this will again depend on sea conditions for the barge transport.

Further updates are expected as the refurbishment progresses.

📷Ross Bridge in Penzance is lifted out and put on a barge on Monday 23 February ready to be taken for refurbishment works in Falmouth. Photo by Penzance Council

📷Ross Bridge in Penzance is lifted out and put on a barge on Monday 23 February ready to be taken for refurbishment works in Falmouth. Photo by Penzance Council

📷Ross Bridge in Penzance is lifted out and put on a barge on Monday 23 February ready to be taken for refurbishment works in Falmouth. Photo by Penzance Council

📷Ross Bridge in Penzance is lifted out and put on a barge on Monday 23 February ready to be taken for refurbishment works in Falmouth. Photo by Penzance Council

📷Ross Bridge in Penzance is lifted out and put on a barge on Monday 23 February ready to be taken for refurbishment works in Falmouth. Photo by Penzance Council

📷Ross Bridge in Penzance is lifted out and put on a barge on Monday 23 February ready to be taken for refurbishment works in Falmouth. Photo by Penzance Council

📷Ross Bridge in Penzance is lifted out and put on a barge on Monday 23 February ready to be taken for refurbishment works in Falmouth. Photo by Penzance Council

📷Ross Bridge in Penzance is lifted out and put on a barge on Monday 23 February ready to be taken for refurbishment works in Falmouth. Photo by Penzance Council

📷Ross Bridge in Penzance is lifted out and put on a barge on Monday 23 February ready to be taken for refurbishment works in Falmouth. Photo by Penzance Council

📷Ross Bridge in Penzance is lifted out and put on a barge on Monday 23 February ready to be taken for refurbishment works in Falmouth. Photo by Penzance Council

📷Ross Bridge in Penzance is lifted out and put on a barge on Monday 23 February ready to be taken for refurbishment works in Falmouth. Photo by Penzance Council

📷Ross Bridge in Penzance is lifted out and put on a barge on Monday 23 February ready to be taken for refurbishment works in Falmouth. Photo by Penzance Council

📷Ross Bridge in Penzance is lifted out and put on a barge on Monday 23 February ready to be taken for refurbishment works in Falmouth. Photo by Penzance Council

📷Ross Bridge in Penzance is lifted out and put on a barge on Monday 23 February ready to be taken for refurbishment works in Falmouth. Photo by Penzance Council

📷Ross Bridge in Penzance is lifted out and put on a barge on Monday 23 February ready to be taken for refurbishment works in Falmouth. Photo by Penzance Council

📷Ross Bridge in Penzance is lifted out and put on a barge on Monday 23 February ready to be taken for refurbishment works in Falmouth. Photo by Penzance Council

📷Ross Bridge in Penzance is lifted out and put on a barge on Monday 23 February ready to be taken for refurbishment works in Falmouth. Photo by Penzance Council

📷Ross Bridge in Penzance is lifted out and put on a barge on Monday 23 February ready to be taken for refurbishment works in Falmouth. Photo by Penzance Council

📷Ross Bridge in Penzance is lifted out and put on a barge on Monday 23 February ready to be taken for refurbishment works in Falmouth. Photo by Penzance Council

📷Ross Bridge in Penzance is lifted out and put on a barge on Monday 23 February ready to be taken for refurbishment works in Falmouth. Photo by Penzance Council