WATCH: Queensferry Crossing becomes record breaker with 644 metre cantilever
It's the largest freestanding structure of its kind in the world.
The £1.3 billion new Queensferry Crossing has officially entered the record books.
Guinness World Records has certified that the centre tower deck is the largest freestanding structure of its kind anywhere in the world.
With the central deck of the Queensferry Crossing now complete, the bridge has a 644-metre cantilever - making it the largest freestanding balanced cantilever.
The balanced cantilever method has never been used to construct a bridge this big before.
However, it will not remain freestanding for long as the deck crossing will soon be connected to the flanking towers and viaducts to form the final structure, which is expected to be open by May 2017.
Scottish Economy Secretary Keith Brown said: We can all agree the Queensferry Crossing is a modern marvel and a world-class feat of engineering. It's only fitting that the bridge has been awarded a Guinness World Records title.
This world-record breaking structure is all the more remarkable when you consider the extreme weather conditions often experienced out in the Firth of Forth, especially working up above the water between 60 metres and 210 metres high.
Everyone who has worked so hard and skilfully to build this amazing bridge is a world record beater in their own right.''
He added: It won't be long before the balanced cantilever disappears, when the small gaps between the towers are closed. But the record is still there to be beaten and the Queensferry Crossing will still be the tallest bridge in the UK and longest bridge of its type anywhere in the world.''
Alan Platt, construction director at Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors (FCBC), said: Construction work is going well on all three towers. This unique achievement at the centre tower is a feat of engineering which the whole FCBC team is immensely proud of.
This is leading-edge civil engineering and I'm delighted to pay tribute to the skills and dedication of everyone involved.''
Iain Cookson, FCBC manager for the centre tower, said: It's not every day you get to achieve a Guinness World Records title. The construction of this record-breaking cantilevered structure has involved the installation of 36 separate steel and concrete composite deck sections.
These massive sections measure approximately 40 metres wide, 16 metres long are five metres deep and weigh an average of 750 tonnes. Each one had to be lifted up 60 metres above sea level before being welded and bolted into position.
Simultaneously, we had to create and install the steel stay-cables which will bear the weight of each deck section for decades to come.
It has been a tremendous team effort ever since we lifted the first deck section in October 2015.''