Forth Road Bridge Toll Plaza Edinburgh
New Canopy and HQ Extension for FETA, Forth Road Bridge, Edinburgh
“In section, the canopy forms a wedge, which is constructed in steel and mesh, with a striking sky blue lighting scheme at night. This brave engineering based architecture is extremely sympathetic to the existing building and the magnificent bridges. The high standard of the scheme is to be applauded. A strong idea that has been executed with panache.” - Judges Citation Civic Trust Awards
The client’s brief for a new toll canopy to the south of the Forth Road Bridge on the A90 northbound carriageway was for a pragmatic armature with integrated signage to facilitate electronic tolling and to shelter toll operators in the often-inclement weather. Given that the canopy had to stand 10 metres tall, we took these simple requirements and raised its architectural presence. Expressed as a prismatic form, the toll canopy contrasts the magnificent engineering of the 2 bridges. The canopy and extension to the existing headquarters building formed part of the wider redevelopment of the Toll Plaza. With a change in government policy to remove tolling on all Scottish bridges, the canopy has now been removed.
Civic Trust award commendation, national finalist Structural Steel Design Awards, finalist Saltire Society Civil Engineering Awards. “Prior to appointing Reiach and Hall, I really struggled to imagine what shape would fit in at the Forth. I had seen toll canopies in America, France and Italy and had a close look at the M6 Toll and Severn bridges, but nothing would fit in against the backdrop of two of the world’s most famous bridges. I’m impressed with the simplicity and pragmatism of the design which, at the same time, manages to minimise its visual impact from the North and yet provide an ideal structure to house the signs giving guidance to motorists approaching from the south. The lines of the canopy compliment the geometric shapes found in the road bridge. From the client’s perspective this has been a challenging project. Twelve million vehicles a year pass through the toll plaza and we required to create a new toll plaza with minimum disruption! By adopting a flexible construction plan able to accommodate the peak flow traffic periods this project was delivered with minimum delay to our customers.” Bridgemaster & client words, Alastair Andrew, 2008.
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Contract Value
£550,000
Area
1,820m2
Completion
2006
Client
FETA (Forth Estuary Transport Authority)
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Architects - Reiach and Hall Architects
Structural Engineers - WA Fairhurst
Main Contractor - Transroute UK
Principal Contractor - Raynesway Construction Ltd
Steelwork Contractors - Cairnhill Structures
M&E Contractor - Arthur McKay
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Awards
Rubble Club Awards 2009 Commendation
Civic Trust Award 2008 Commendation
Structural Steel Design Awards 2007 Finalist
Saltire Society Civil Engineering Award 2007 Finalist
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The client’s brief for a new toll canopy to the south of the Forth Road Bridge on the A90 northbound carriageway was for a pragmatic armature with integrated signage to facilitate electronic tolling and to shelter toll operators in the often-inclement weather. Given that the canopy had to stand 10 metres tall, we took these simple requirements and raised its architectural presence. Expressed as a prismatic form, the toll canopy contrasts the magnificent engineering of the 2 bridges. The canopy and extension to the existing headquarters building formed part of the wider redevelopment of the Toll Plaza. With a change in government policy to remove tolling on all Scottish bridges, the canopy has now been removed.
Civic Trust award commendation, national finalist Structural Steel Design Awards, finalist Saltire Society Civil Engineering Awards. “Prior to appointing Reiach and Hall, I really struggled to imagine what shape would fit in at the Forth. I had seen toll canopies in America, France and Italy and had a close look at the M6 Toll and Severn bridges, but nothing would fit in against the backdrop of two of the world’s most famous bridges. I’m impressed with the simplicity and pragmatism of the design which, at the same time, manages to minimise its visual impact from the North and yet provide an ideal structure to house the signs giving guidance to motorists approaching from the south. The lines of the canopy compliment the geometric shapes found in the road bridge. From the client’s perspective this has been a challenging project. Twelve million vehicles a year pass through the toll plaza and we required to create a new toll plaza with minimum disruption! By adopting a flexible construction plan able to accommodate the peak flow traffic periods this project was delivered with minimum delay to our customers.” Bridgemaster & client words, Alastair Andrew, 2008
