The client wished to illuminate the iconic 28 span bridge to mark the 160th year of its opening. The project required the installation of 30m long cables from track level to the base of the piers, where they connected to luminaires.

Working in conjunction with the electrical contractor, rope access afforded the only safe and practicable solution for working over the tidal River Tweed.

Considerable planning was required on this small but complex project in order to complete it in the minimum amount of time and with the least number of rail possessions.

To minimise the number of rail possessions an access system was devised that enabled CAN technicians to traverse the outer faces of the structure without encroaching on the operational railway. As such rail possessions were limited to the installation and subsequent removal of the required access. Between the two sets of possessions access to the works was from CAN’s safety boat to the pre-rigged ropes.

Duration:       2 weeks

Client:            Northumberland County Council & Network Rail

Location:       Berwick-upon-Tweed