Project Overview

An exciting engineering feat. Rotrex constructed 6 custom-built winches for the historic bridge that connects freshwater River Fleet and saltwater Loch Fleet. Having been in use since 1816 this bridge is an important part of the local landscape and plays an important role in separating the two bodies of water. These powerful winches will oversee the operation of 12 sluice gates that control the water level between the two bodies of water, ensuring the safe and smooth flow of the tide.

The Brief

Bear Scotland and Transport Scotland tasked Rotrex with designing, manufacturing, installing and commissioning an electrically powered winch system. Consisting of 6 winches and powered by an electric motor, the winches are equipped with a pendant controller and control box, and also a manual winch handle for emergency power failure. The new winches needed to fit seamlessly on existing base plates, and modifications were made to the housing to keep out vermin.

Before the engineer could begin designing the winches they had to examine and inspect the location in which the winches would be placed. Rotrex load tested the base plates to ensure that they would support the weight of the new winches as part of the pre design inspection.

The Design

The Project Engineer, after visiting the site, conducting exams on the existing equipment and structure, decided the A 55L EDL lifting winch was the best winch configuration and would need to be constructed in a way that allowed for all 3 to be fitted close together.

The Installation

Rotrex expertly installed the winches onto the base plate and connected them via chains to the sluice gates through a bespoke designed window. The window allows a secure view of the chains and sheaves while stopping animals from entering the housing unit. This automated monitoring system, supplied and installed by Datum Geotechnical and Structural Monitoring, monitors the water level and opens at low tide when the freshwater side rises above 900mm. With the incoming tide, the gates close and continue to open and close with the natural flow of the tide. The winches can be electrically overridden in case of emergency, but this is disabled at high tide to avoid damage from the high water pressure.

This is a technologically advanced, historically significant and environmentally friendly upgrade to an already impressive bridge that has stood for more than 100 years. A true testament to the skill and dedication of Rotrex and the teams involved in this exciting project.

The Mound Sluice Gate Winch System Includes:

• 6 x Electric Chain Winches
• 2 x Winch Control System
• 2 x Mounting Frame System
• Modifications to existing winch house

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