153-tonne Rotherham bridge lifted into place

A 136m crane lifted the 153-tonne bridge into place at the Templeborough Biomass Power Plant project on Sunday morning.

The 49m span was assembled at the site by Dorset firm Reid Steel, then craned into position in one piece.

Project manager Tim Forrest said: “Building, transporting and installing a bridge of this size is a huge task, but it is key to completing the plant.

“Choosing the best time has been challenging, but the perfect time is when the traffic is at it lightest and we will cause the least disruption.”

He added: “It has been a great team effort by all subcontractors to be ready on time for this event, which was planned way back in late 2015.”

The power station, which is set to open in August 2017, will generate around 41MW of green electricity — enough to supply 78,000 homes and save over 150,000 tons of carbon dioxide — every year.

Its £160m cost is being met by Dutch companies, but it will be run locally by Templeborough Biomass Power Plant Ltd.