Bridges Scotland Team Interviews Acrow Global's Laura Jones
1.Acrow Bridge is both exhibiting and sponsoring Bridges Scotland – what does this event mean to your company, and why is the Scottish market particularly important to you?
We really look forward to coming back to Bridges Scotland every year. It’s a great opportunity to have quality, face-to face interactions with many of our customers and to build on what is a very important market for us. We always come away from the event with interesting new leads and enhanced existing relationships.
2.Your Ignite Session showcases modular bridges overcoming access constraints in dramatically different environments - Craigo, Scotland and Stratford, London. What makes these two projects such compelling case studies for accelerated bridge construction?
Both projects were complex and challenging in similar ways but for different reasons. Highlighting the juxtaposition of the rural Scottish location with urban central London allows us to highlight that no matter the location, modular solutions have a vital role to play in accelerating bridge construction and restoring connectivity quickly, safely and efficiently in service to local communities.
3.Let's start with Craigo. Can you tell us about the challenge when the existing bridge closed, leaving the village reliant on a 3-tonne weight-restricted bridge, and how quickly you were able to restore full access?
Closing the existing bridge left the village of Craigo completely isolated. There was no access for emergency vehicles, refuge collections or even the local bus which is a lifeline for the local community. We were able to build the bridge offline within a matter of days and then lift the bridge into position over one single night avoiding any lengthy rail possessions or road closures.
4.The installation at Craigo was remarkable – a 33-meter bridge lifted into position overnight with a 750-tonne crane during a rail possession. What kind of planning goes into executing such a precise operation?
This project exemplified strong collaboration among all stakeholders, including the Client, Contractor, Designers, Network Rail, the Local Council, and the village community. At Acrow, we bring extensive experience to these complex undertakings. Our in-house teams of specialists manage every aspect of the process, from design and manufacturing through to supply and installation, ensuring seamless delivery. Although the temporary bridge was just one component of AmcoGiffen’s broader project to restore the existing concrete structure, our role was to help minimise disruption, making the entire process as straightforward as possible.
5.The Stratford project presented completely different challenges, with no vehicular access to the site. How did assembling the bridge on a pontoon and floating it into position solve this problem?
Constructing the bridge on a pontoon offered an innovative solution to the constraints of an inner-city environment. It eliminated the need for a traditional build site within what was a tight footprint, avoided complex and often unfeasible road closure applications, and ensured a trouble-free installation.
Floating the bridge into position allowed us to reach a location that was otherwise inaccessible; not only was there no access for vehicles, but there was also no feasible way to bring in a crane. This required a creative approach, using pontoons and jacking equipment to manoeuvre and install the bridge. The result was a successful installation with minimal disruption.
6.Beyond carrying pedestrians at Stratford, the bridge also had to accommodate diverted utilities critical to surrounding residences. How does modular bridge design accommodate such multi-functional requirements?
Acrow’s modular bridge systems are highly adaptable, designed to meet a wide range of specifications in length, width, and load capacity. Our in-house engineering team works closely with clients to tailor solutions that meet both current and evolving project requirements. Originally, the bridge was intended solely for utility diversion. However, as the project developed and the need for pedestrian access became clear, Acrow responded swiftly with a revised solution that integrated both functions. The versatility of Acrow’s solution enabled us to quickly reconfigure our design to suit the multi-functional requirement of this project.
7.Both projects used your Acrow 700XS® system. What makes this particular system so versatile that it can adapt from a rural Scottish village location to an urban Olympic Park development site?
The answer lies in its sophisticated modular design. The Acrow 700XS® system is engineered to meet the diverse needs of a global client-base. With a minimal number of components, the system can be configured to suit a wide range of applications from temporary and permanent installations to emergency and military use. Its versatility allows us to tailor bridges to specific lengths, widths, and load capacities, ensuring each solution is fit for purpose. Whether navigating the logistical constraints of a remote location or the complexities of a dense urban environment, the versatility of the Acrow 700XS® system allows us to adapt to the needs of the project, wherever it is.
8.What are the key advantages of accelerated bridge construction using modular solutions compared to traditional bridge building methods, particularly for clients like Network Rail or urban developers?
Accelerated bridge construction using modular solutions offers a range of advantages over traditional methods — especially for clients like Network Rail and urban developers who operate in complex, time-sensitive project environments.
- Faster Delivery: Modular bridges are prefabricated off-site, allowing for rapid installation and significantly shorter construction timelines.
- Enhanced Safety: With fewer on-site activities and reduced exposure to live traffic or rail environments, safety risks are greatly minimised.
- Greater Efficiency: Off-site fabrication streamlines logistics and reduces delays caused by weather or site constraints.
- Improved Cost and Time Control: Pre-engineered components allow for more accurate budgeting and scheduling, reducing the risk of overruns.
- Sustainability: Modular systems generate less waste, reduce emissions from on-site machinery, and can be reused or repurposed for future projects.
- Adaptability to Restricted Sites: Modular bridges can be installed in locations with limited access, such as urban centres or remote areas, without the need for extensive groundwork or large equipment.
- Stakeholder Satisfaction: Reduced disruption to the public and faster project completion helps maintain positive relationships with local communities and authorities.
9.With major infrastructure projects across Scotland, where do you see the greatest opportunities for modular bridging solutions?
There really is no limit to application for our modular bridging products. The need for versatile solutions which enable quicker, safer and more efficient project delivery is a common requirement across all of the projects we work on, globally. High-quality and reliability are always key drivers, as is rapid access. In Scotland, our solutions are particularly valuable where traditional concrete alternatives may be harder to source or install due to site constraints, but their rapid deployment, minimal site disruption, and versatility make them ideal for both temporary and permanent applications ranging from utility diversions and pedestrian access through to full-scale transport infrastructure.
10. What should delegates at Bridges Scotland know about working with Acrow Bridge if they have an upcoming project with challenging site constraints?
We pride ourselves on working in partnership with our customers to develop the best solution for their project. Our experts are on hand to support our customers throughout the entire project lifecycle, from initial concept through to final delivery, and we are committed to ensuring that every project is a success. For help on your next project, reach out to us here: www.acrow.com
Catch Move Solutions at Bridges Scotland on Stand 15.
- Road Expo & Bridges Scotland 2025, 26-27 November, SEC Glasgow
- Register to visit, exhibit or sponsor
- Visit the Bridges Scotland website
