Ross Bridge transported for repairs after weather delays
Bridge lift was carried out during a brief weather window in Penzance
Ross Bridge has been successfully craned onto a barge in Penzance, allowing its transport to Falmouth for refurbishment amid challenging sea conditions.
Calm weather on the morning of 23rd February enabled the complex operation, which had been delayed by recent wind and sea conditions.
A temporary bridge will now be installed to maintain road access during this phase of the project.
Cormac, the firm overseeing the project, released a statement confirming the lift's success and outlined the logistics involved.
"The Ross Bridge lift has now been successfully carried out. Cormac have been closely monitoring the weather and sea conditions, waiting for a safe and suitable window to carry out this highly technical operation. Based on the forecasts, that window arrived early this morning, allowing the lift to be scheduled."
At 6am, the tug Vixen maneuvered a 40-metre barge into the channel between the dry dock and causeway.
"Using specialised lifting rigging, evenly distributed to balance the load, the bridge was connected using pre‑rigged lifting points and straps, and the crane then stabilised with a 90 tonne counterweight to balance it."
The operation ensured the bridge was stabilized and monitored for any sea wall movement due to the combined weight.
By 8am, the bridge awaited its journey to A&P Falmouth as sea conditions around Lizard Point were assessed for safety.
Bosses are hoping that the bridge will be back before Easter - but they say they're waiting for the right weather.
The temporary bridge is set to be installed during the next suitable window.