Background
Sky Revolutions was engaged by Norfolk County Council to provide aerial photography, filming, and time-lapse services for a significant infrastructure project—the construction of a new bridge known as Herring Bridge. This project, undertaken by the joint venture of BAM Nuttall and Farrans Construction, aims to enhance connectivity, reduce journey times, and stimulate economic growth in the region by delivering a third river crossing over the River Yare.
Project objectives
The primary objectives of the project included:
- Monitoring the progress of the bridge construction to ensure timely completion.
- Supporting stakeholder communication efforts through high-quality imagery and footage.
- Documenting the construction process for marketing and public relations purposes.
Challenges and solutions
The construction of a large dual carriageway twin-leaf bascule lifting bridge involves numerous engineering processes that need close monitoring. Sky Revolutions deployed advanced camera systems and conducted monthly drone flights to gather comprehensive footage of the entire site, enabling detailed tracking of the project’s progress.
Given the project’s scale and public interest, effective communication with stakeholders and the community was crucial. The high-quality imagery and video provided by Sky Revolutions served as vital tools for media liaison and community notifications, ensuring that all stakeholders received consistent and engaging updates.
There was a need to create engaging content that could celebrate the construction milestones and attract public interest. The footage and images captured through drone flights and static cameras were utilised to produce time-lapse films and other marketing materials, effectively showcasing the project’s progress and achievements.
Methodology
Site assessment and planning: Sky Revolutions collaborated with BAM Nuttall and Farrans Construction to outline the project’s requirements, focusing on the strategic placement of cameras and the scheduling of drone flights.
Deployment of equipment: Two high-spec cameras were installed on either side of the bridge, and drone flights were conducted monthly to capture aerial footage. This setup ensured a comprehensive view of the construction site and surrounding areas.
Data collection and monitoring: The camera systems provided real-time access to images and video footage through a secure password-protected portal, allowing the joint venture team to monitor construction progress and make informed decisions.
Content production: The captured footage was edited into time-lapse films and promotional content, which was then used in various communications, including social media, community updates, and marketing materials.
Results
The Herring Bridge project, deemed a “Nationally Significant Project” by the Secretary of State for Transport, received widespread media coverage. Sky Revolutions’ contributions were instrumental in providing high-quality visual content that highlighted the construction process and supported effective stakeholder engagement. A series of time-lapse videos documented key milestones in the construction, allowing stakeholders and the public to witness the bridge’s progress in a compelling format, and both teams benefited from instant access to images and video through the secure portal, facilitating seamless communication and project management.
Conclusion
The successful partnership between Sky Revolutions, Norfolk County Council, BAM Nuttall, and Farrans Construction has demonstrated the value of aerial photography and videography in large-scale infrastructure projects. The high-quality imagery not only supported effective monitoring and communication but also enhanced public interest and stakeholder engagement.
For more information about construction site monitoring or to discuss your marketing content needs, please get in touch with our team today.
