The works are still progressing to a good pace and are on schedule to be completed by the end of September 2024. A lorry mounted concrete shot blaster has been used to clean the surface of the concrete deck over approximately 3000m2 of lane 2. This removes the final remnants of the old surfacing and deck imperfections immediately before waterproofing commences. The waterproofing system is a four coat proprietary system from GCP Stirling Lloyd, called Eliminator. It is a cold applied and sprayed system, that will protect the concrete bridge deck below from contamination. The first coat is a primer to help with bonding the further layers and to help the system adhere to the bridge deck, and the second and third coats are a waterproof resin membrane. Barrels of the product are located in the back of a lorry, and a pump system, a bit like a power washer, allows the product to be sprayed through a nozzle onto the deck. The second coat is yellow in colour and the third coat is white. Although the two layers are an identical product, the colours are deliberately contrasted so that the skilled operative can see where they have sprayed, so that they don't miss any bits! The fourth, and final coat, is a bond coat, and is red in colour. This top coat will melt when the very hot asphalt surfacing is applied in the future, so that the waterproofing is fully composite with the concrete bridge deck and asphalt running surface. All four coats have been applied between joints 3 to 10, around 1400m2. The yellow and white coats are currently being applied between joint 10 to 13.
The outer concrete cantilever deck soffit repairs are still ongoing, with four scaffolds present on the bridge, now working closer to the Fife end of the bridge. This work will continue for a few weeks yet as we make essential repairs underneath the bridge. The hydrodemolition to the top surface of defective concrete deck ends are almost finished, with just a few remaining deck ends to be completed. The hydrodemolition works above the waterfront path will commence tomorrow, so please be aware, that for your safety, a small pedestrian/cycling diversion will be in place around the waterfront below the bridge. The bridge shared path will remain open, but all users will be diverted to use the lift, because the stairs will be closed. This diversion will be required for up to two days.