Project profile: Luffness Mains and Fenton Steel bridges

What is the project?

This project initially involved refurbishing both metal and stone parts of the Luffness Mains and Fenton Bridges to keep them safe for all users.

Due to defects found at Luffness Mains Bridge, we needed to replace the old bridge deck with a new, galvanised steel deck, which would be stronger and more durable. Any damaged stonework would be fixed to preserve the structure for years to come.

Since like-for-like repairs were not feasible at Luffness Mains, the bridges’ appearance would change as detailed within our planning permission.

What stage is it at?

Work started in February 2024 with a view to carrying out general maintenance of both structures. The work on Luffness Mains Bridge had to pause after finding that some of the defects were worse than anticipated. The road across Fenton Bridge reopened to traffic in June 2024.

In late January 2025, further ground and site investigation works were completed to find out more about the existing Luffness Mains Bridge structure so that the design of the replacement bridge deck could be finalised. Full Planning Permission for the works was granted by East Lothian Council in March 2025.

The old bridge deck was carefully removed and the enabling works ahead of the arrival of the new bridge deck were completed in November.
 
The replacement bridge deck was successfully lifted into position on Monday 1 December. This was achieved by overlapping design and on-site activities, shaving almost a month off our programme. The weather on the day of the lift also played its part, with reasonable conditions for the time of year. The temporary trackway and staging for the crane was also removed.

Work was completed in mid-February 2026 and the road over Luffness Main Bridge was reopened a month ahead of forecast.