Gilkes Energy specialises in building hydropower plants throughout the UK. Two of their recent projects in Scotland, the Eas a Ghaill plant, a 1.5MW scheme located at Inverlochy, and the Pattack Hydro plant, a 2MW scheme located in Ardverikie Estate near Loch Laggon in the central Highlands, both required site access bridges to facilitate construction. Situated in remote areas of rural Scotland and away from main roads, both the plants cross rivers, with fast-running and high water levels during rainy periods. Therefore the new access bridges needed to be robust in design and capable of carrying heavy construction traffic and future maintenance crews for the hydropower plants.

For these specific projects, a single lane, 24m span, 3.15m wide Compact 200™ (C200™) bridge was specified owing to its speed and ease of installation, as well as its load-carrying capacity.

The timing was critical for both projects, as the access bridges had to be built before construction of the hydropower plants could begin. The modular design of the C200™ meant that it was easily installed with a cantilever launch and then crane-handled into position, enabling quick, safe and efficient project delivery.

As the project developed, the versatility of the C200™ design proved invaluable, enabling Gilkes Energy to easily change bridge parameters to suit specific vehicles; originally, a 21m extra-wide C200™ had been specified; following the updated vehicle information, 24m long, standard width bridges were finally installed for both projects.

The C200™ access bridges now offered a safe and effective route to both construction projects. The ease, speed and efficiency of the C200™ installations helped ensure that the hydropower plants were delivered on time.