Queensferry Crossing, UK: cable-stayed bridge deck and cables – design and construction

The new Queensferry Crossing near Edinburgh in Scotland, UK, is a cable-stayed bridge with a total length of 2637·5 m and three towers up to 210 m high. The two cable-supported main spans are 650 m long, the two back spans are 223 m and there are approach viaducts at each end of the variable spans, up to 104 m long. The two cable planes are arranged centrally between both carriageways and overlap in the centre of the main spans. This special feature is necessary in order to stabilise the deck and, especially, the central tower. Unique design features, such as having the world's longest pair of free-standing cantilevers with an overall length of 644 m, and constructing the works in an exposed location in adverse weather conditions put very high demands on the engineers and workers involved. This paper describes the design and construction of the cable-stayed bridge deck and cables.