The linkspan at Gourock Ferry Terminal will be closed for essential repair and maintenance works for four days from Tuesday 19th to Friday 22nd November 2019.

The closure means ferry services will have to berth at the boat steps and Calmac will operate an alternative timetable.  Details will be confirmed by Calmac by the end of this week.

Sections of the maintenance access platforms and ladders that serve the linkspan are damaged and need to be repaired.  In addition, a new ladder and maintenance access platform will be installed at the landward support of the linkspan. The works are scheduled and ongoing from the cylinder replacement works which took place in October.  A dive survey will also be carried out after construction works are complete.

Linkspan maintenance platforms and ladders are essential to allow for safe access for inspection and maintenance of support points, hydraulic equipment, pipework, structure and electrical cables.

Ramsay Muirhead, Director of Port Infrastructure and Planning at CMAL said:

“Damage sustained to the platform and ladders has been identified through our regular harbour inspection and maintenance programme.

“There have been ongoing problems with the linkspan at Gourock.  We are very aware of the significant inconvenience this causes for ferry passengers.  The long-term solution is to fully upgrade the harbour infrastructure and we are in discussion with Transport Scotland about finalising a masterplan for Gourock.”

The works are weather and tide dependent.  If poor weather prevents the work from commencing on 19th November, the next suitable tidal window will be between Tuesday 2nd to Friday 6th December.

The linkspan remains closed to vehicle loading and is limited to foot passengers only.  A review is being conducted to identify the feasibility and associated works and costs of accepting vehicle loading.


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