Ross Swing Bridge refurbishment, Penzance

Since our last update, the project team remain ready to proceed, but unfortunately—and very frustratingly for all of us—the weather continues to be firmly against us.

Sea conditions around Penzance and the Lizard Point have been consistently rough, with waves ranging between 2.5 and 4 metres. While this may be an impressive sight, it creates extremely challenging conditions for the transportation of a 40m barge from Falmouth, and conditions remain well outside the safe limits required. Once the barge does arrive, the next step involves lifting the 26‑tonne bridge structure, using a 650‑tonne crane, onto the barge. Because of its scale, this lift can only be performed in one coordinated operation, with the right conditions. Anything less introduces risks that are not acceptable for our crews, contractors, or the community.

Despite these challenges, our commitment to the Ross Bridge project remains absolutely unchanged and we are ready to go as soon as nature allows. We understand how eager the community is to see visible progress and while this ongoing delay is disappointing, safety must come first. The team is on standby, checking forecasts and marine conditions daily and the moment we have a safe and viable weather window, the lift will go ahead.

Thank you to everyone for your continued patience and support as we work towards the next major milestone in the Ross Bridge maintenance and renovation project.

Severe weather over recent days has unfortunately had an impact on progress at Ross Bridge. The team has been working to break down and remove the concrete counterweight, which involves the use of electrical equipment. For safety reasons, this work must pause during periods of heavy rain, hail, and high winds. As a result, activity has been disrupted on at least two days this week.

Despite these challenges, we are still aiming to complete the removal of the counterweight within the coming days. Decommissioning of the hydraulic system and the disconnection of the bridge bogies is now planned for next week, subject to weather conditions.

The exceptional sea conditions are also affecting the movement of the barge travelling from Falmouth to Penzance. Current forecasts indicate that, if conditions improve, the barge may be able to reach Penzance around 4th - 5th February. We are monitoring weather and tide windows closely. As soon as it is safe to do so, the barge will be brought into Penzance Harbour, secured, and the bridge will be lifted onto it when conditions allow. It will then remain in the harbour until the sea state is suitable for transportation back to Falmouth.

We want to reassure everyone that the team is doing everything possible to keep the programme moving safely and efficiently. While the exceptional weather has created unavoidable delays, every effort will be made to recover lost time as soon as the weather allows.

We are extremely grateful for everyone’s continued patience, understanding, and support.

Good progress continues on the bridge refurbishment works.

All of the existing concrete bridge deck panels have now been removed. These materials have been sent off for recycling and will be crushed to produce recycled aggregates for use in other construction projects across Cornwall. The bridge has since been swung back into the open position to allow access to the concrete counterweight, removal of which is ongoing and will continue over the weekend, and into next week.

Next week will also see the decommissioning of the bridge’s hydraulic system and the removal of the support bogies. Once these elements have been removed, the bridge can be lifted onto the barge, which is currently moored in the channel between the dry dock and the causeway.

Subject to suitable weather and sea conditions, the bridge lift is planned for Monday 2nd February. The barge will then transport the bridge to A&P Falmouth where the refurbishment works will take place. In parallel, construction of the new bridge deck, handrails, and footway is already underway at A&P, progressing well, and will be completed well in advance of the bridge’s return to Penzance.

When the bridge returns, works to install the new deck, footway and handrails will begin immediately.

During last week’s work to dismantle Ross Bridge so that it can be refurbished, our team discovered active pigeon nests within the structure. As with all wild birds, their nests and eggs are protected by law, and we immediately paused work.

Ecological surveys carried out before Christmas showed no signs of nesting, so it appears the pigeons moved in over the holiday period. Our ecological specialist has been monitoring the nest since its discovery, and a further survey this morning confirmed the nest had been abandoned and the eggs were not viable. The nest has now been safely removed.

With this confirmation, works will now continue. We’re committed to progressing the project as efficiently as possible and will be bringing in additional resources to help recover lost time.

In spite of this week's weather conditions, works have got off to a strong start. The planned road closure is in place (now including Abbey Slip), and the bridge has been swung into the open position to allow safe access for the team. Removal of the existing concrete roadway is underway, and the original lifting "eyes" for each panel have been located, cleaned and set aside for reuse later. Each panel is secured by six steel lugs embedded in the concrete; these need to be carefully cored out to release the panels for lifting. This coring process will continue for several days and once complete, lifting out the panels is scheduled to begin next week.