New Warning System For Foyle Bridge In High Winds

12 December 2006
NEW WARNING SYSTEM FOR FOYLE BRIDGE IN HIGH WINDS

Regional Development Minister, David Cairns, today announced the introduction of a new warning system for the Foyle Bridge, for use during high winds.
The Minister said: "Roads Service has now completed installing and commissioning a series of variable message signs strategically placed across the City. This will warn drivers when there are high winds on the Foyle Bridge and advise them of alternative routes."
Roads Service reviewed the procedures for closure of the bridge, following the tragic accident last year, when a Heavy Goods Vehicle crashed through the safety barrier during a period of high winds. The accident resulted in the death of lorry driver Peter McGuinness. While an independent review into the accident found the procedures in place at the time to be satisfactory, the review did make a number of recommendations that are being implemented in full by Roads Service.
When wind speeds reach the first trigger level of 30mph, signs on the bridge will display an advisory speed limit of 30mph. If they increase to the second trigger level of 40mph, signs on the bridge approaches will direct high-sided vehicles to use the Craigavon Bridge. Finally, when the wind speed exceeds 50mph, the Foyle Bridge will be closed to all vehicles. The above restrictions should lead to a significantly enhanced safety margin for traffic using the bridge during high winds.
The Minister said: "I am pleased to announce that the all the signage to facilitate the introduction of the new Bridge Management System has now been installed and tested and that the system is now fully operational. The first phase of the signs, which introduce an advisory speed limit on the bridge, were installed before last winter. The new system, costing Ł800,000, automatically receives information from the wind monitoring equipment on the bridge and displays appropriate warnings and instructions on the variable message signs."
An information leaflet explaining the details of the phased closure is currently being issued widely. It is also available on the Roads Service website www.roadsni.gov.uk.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Media queries to: Emma Flynn Davies, Department for Regional Development, Press Office, 028 9054 0007.

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