It is understood all three of the structure's main towers have now reached the bridge deck level.
Recent construction of the deck level of the Centre Tower, known as the 'power joint', is the most complex area of the towers, as it is where the bridge deck will be securely fixed to the Beamer Rock-founded tower, with the natural expansion and contraction being taken up by large expansion joints at the north and south ends of the bridge. This will allow for a continuous smooth road surface to be laid across the length of the crossing.
Similar joints are not needed at the North and South towers as the deck is secured to these using sliding bearings which provide lateral stability, with the deck expanding and contracting around the towers.
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Minister Brown commented: "This time last year the view across the Forth looked a lot different. Work on the foundations was finishing last summer and the beginnings of the towers themselves started under the water line.
"The progress being made by the men and women building the new bridge is truly impressive. All three of the towers are now at, or past, the level of the bridge deck. Initial temporary supports and first bridge deck sections are due to be fitted to the Centre Tower's complex and reinforced 'power joint' in the autumn, while work on all three towers continues until they reach their full 210 metre length.
"We can also see the v-shaped support piers for the South Approach Viaduct rising and being completed as the months go past. As each one is erected, the viaduct is then launched further out from the shoreline across the pier. The viaduct has already been launched more than half of its final length.
"Meanwhile on the south road network, the new Queensferry junction is nearly complete and expected to be open shortly. Overall the project remains on schedule and under budget."
By the end of the year, assembly equipment will be moved over from the South Approach viaduct area to the north, to start assembly of the shorter North Approach viaduct steelwork. This is expected to be moved into position later in 2015.
(JP/IT)
