Bridge Refurbishments in Scotland

How we supplied specialist fasteners for bridge refurbishments in Scotland’s marine environments

Supplying over 12,000 Duplex 1.4462 and A4-80 stainless steel fasteners

During refurbishment programmes on Scotland’s landmark bridges, West Special Fasteners played a key role in delivering crash/safety barrier and parapet systems that meet modern safety and durability standards. By supplying thousands of Duplex 1.4462 and A4-80 stainless steel fasteners, fully certified and made in the UK, West Special Fasteners demonstrated its expertise in supporting infrastructure resilience in marine and estuarine environments.

Kessock Bridge (A9)

Feb–Jun 2013 & Feb–Jun 2014 – We supplied thousands of certified Duplex and A4-80 fasteners for new crash/safety barrier systems and parapets.

Erskine Bridge (A898)

Jul 2013–May 2014 (+ Aug–Sep 2014) – We supplied thousands of certified Duplex and A4-80 fasteners for upgraded crash/safety barriers and parapet systems.

Other Scottish bridges

Across multiple refurbishment works we provided high-grade, certified fasteners for barrier and parapet upgrades across Scotland.

Letter of recommendation PDF

Challenge:

Refurbishment programmes on major Scottish bridges required the replacement of crash/safety barrier systems and parapets to meet updated safety regulations and improve protection for road users and bridge structures. The works took place in estuarine or coastal locations where exposure to salt spray, high winds, and fluctuating temperatures posed significant challenges for material durability. The new barrier and parapet systems needed mechanically robust, corrosion-resistant fasteners with full UK certification and traceability.

Specifications:

1.4462 Duplex stainless steel Offers exceptional pitting and crevice corrosion resistance and high yield strength, making it ideal for anchoring posts, panels, and connection plates in barrier and parapet systems.

A4-80 stainless steel Marine-grade corrosion resistance with the tensile strength required for securing rails, mesh infills, and parapet components.

Project Contributions

Kessock Bridge (A9, Inverness) – Refurbishment, Crash Barrier and Parapet Replacement

Refurbishment period: February to June 2013 and February to June 2014.
Scope of works: Resurfacing, waterproofing, new expansion joints, lighting upgrades, replacement of vehicle safety barriers and installation of new parapets to meet cycleway and pedestrian safety standards.
Contractor: Balfour Beatty, appointed by Transport Scotland.
Role of West Special Fasteners: Supplied thousands of corrosion-resistant Duplex 1.4462 and A4-80 fasteners for both the new crash/safety barrier systems and parapet structures. These included fixings for posts, connecting plates, rail assemblies and parapet uprights along the deck edges. The choice of materials ensured long-term structural integrity in the Beauly Firth’s marine environment.

Erskine Bridge (A898, River Clyde) – Crash Barrier and Parapet Upgrades

Refurbishment period: July 2013 to May 2014, with further works on approaches August to September 2014.
Scope of works: Replacement of vehicle barriers in the central reserve and nearside lanes, enhancement of parapet systems to improve protection for bridge towers, cable anchorages, and vulnerable deck sections.
Contractor: Highway Barrier Solutions (HBS) under the management of Scotland TranServ for Transport Scotland.
Role of West Special Fasteners: Delivered thousands of Duplex and A4-80 stainless steel fasteners for both crash barrier systems and upgraded parapet installations. Fasteners were selected for their high clamping force, fatigue resistance and corrosion performance in the Clyde’s estuarine environment.

Other Scottish Bridge Refurbishments – Safety Barrier and Parapet Works

West Special Fasteners has also supplied specialist fasteners for refurbishment and safety upgrades on other Scottish bridges. This has included the replacement of aging crash barriers and parapets on both coastal and inland crossings. All projects required high-grade materials, full certification, and UK manufacturing to ensure safety compliance and long- term performance in challenging weather conditions.

OUR PRODUCTS IN ACTION

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