Forth Bridge Edinburgh Project

Kite Group supplied lightweight GRP moulded grating for the Forth Bridge, refurbishing under-deck walkways to improve safety, reduce weight, and ensure durability.

Project Overview

The Forth Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and global icon of engineering, spans 2,467 metres over the River Forth. Completed in 1890, it remains the world’s second-longest single cantilever bridge span and carries over 200 trains daily on the East Coast main line between Aberdeen and London.

As one of Scotland’s most recognisable landmarks, the bridge required essential upgrades to its under-deck walkways, first installed in the 1980s, to maintain safety for inspection and maintenance teams while reducing environmental impact.

Facts & Figures – The Forth Bridge

Span: 2,467 metres (2nd longest cantilever bridge in the world)
Opened: 1890, after 8 years of construction
Materials: 53,000 tonnes of steel & 6.5 million rivets
Height: 110m above high water
Traffic: 200 trains daily, carrying 3 million passengers/year
Upgrade Impact: GRP grating reduced walkway weight by up to 75% compared to steel

Kite’s Contribution

Kite Group supported Phase 2 of the refurbishment works by supplying GRP Moulded Grating to replace ageing steel walkway panels.

Safety: Non-slip GRP grating ensured secure walkways for engineers and maintenance teams.
Lightweight Strength: GRP is up to 75% lighter than steel, reducing weight impact on the structure.
Corrosion Resistance: Outperforms galvanised steel, ideal for harsh Scottish weather conditions.
Sustainability: The project re-used 97% of existing steelwork, cutting waste and environmental impact.
Technical Support: Kite coordinated deliveries to complex areas, including scaffolds suspended beneath the bridge deck.

This installation has improved safety, extended the life of the bridge’s access infrastructure, and preserved the integrity of one of the UK’s most important engineering landmarks.