RFT1 Linkspan Counterweight Lowering

The RFT1 Linkspan Bridge operated using a counterweight system housed within two towers on either side of the structure. Each tower contained two suspended concrete counterweights—one approximately 25 tonnes and the other 12.5 tonnes—connected to the bridge via a cable and pulley system. Due to the deteriorated condition of the overall structure, the bridge was scheduled for full dismantling. This required safely transferring the bridge load onto new foundation beams, releasing the counterweights from the pulley system, and lowering them onto the concrete slab before removing the remaining steelwork. The complexity of the task demanded a highly controlled and independently supported lifting and lowering system.