HGVs could be banned from bridge in 2013

Ally McRoberts • Published 4 Mar 2011 08:00 3 Comments

HGVs may have to be banned from crossing the Forth Road Bridge in 2013 - a full THREE years before the new crossing is due to open.

There are fears weight restrictions will be imposed if extensive corrosion is found in the anchorages, which are encased in concrete and have never been inspected since the bridge opened 47 years ago.

While the Forth Estuary Transport Authority (Feta) is taking steps to halt corrosion they've already discovered in the main cables, which hold up the structure, they have no idea of the condition of the cables where they are attached to the ground.

Board members were told in a report on Friday, "If the investigation does reveal significant deterioration in the steel strands within the anchorage tunnels then, depending on the level of that deterioration, measures may have to be considered to limit loading on the bridge."

It also stated, "It should be noted that the main key risks remain the condition of the anchorages and the main cable."

They expect results in 2013 and, if they're bad, a Feta spokesman confirmed those measures would almost certainly include a ban or restrictions on HGVs.

That would be a major blow to the haulage industry and possibly disrupt work to build the new bridge and the aircraft carriers at Rosyth, with goods and supply vehicles faced with a 48-mile diversion via the Kincardine Bridge.

A contract should be awarded next month and work is due to begin in August to discover the extent of the problem but it's such a unique challenge that it's a step into the unknown, with an estimated cost of £7.5 million.

The Feta spokesman explained, "Everyone knows about the problems with the main cables - and we know far more about them - but not many know that there could be a major issue with the anchorages.

"It's potentially very significant but right now we just don't know as we haven't been able to go in and look at the steel strands inside the concrete yet.

"We can't speculate on what the results could be but hopefully we won't find any problems."

He continued, "There aren't really any other bridges in the world with the same type of anchorages, they're completely buried in concrete, so there's no precedent for this type of work.

"Consultant engineers have been working on this for several years, trying to find the best way of carrying out this work, and they considered a whole range of non-intrusive options, such as radar.

"But it seems the only way to really satisfy ourselves that there's not any long-term issue is to excavate down and take a look."

Feta have been carrying out dehumidification work on the main cables to try to halt the spread of corrosion and the next set of results are due in 2012.

Councillor Tony Martin, vice-convenor of Feta and Fife Council's transportation chair, said, "We still don't know, for the period of time the corrosion has been there, what damage has been done to the strength of the main cables.

"Secondly, we don't know the condition of the cables inside the anchorages and, frankly, the reason we have to build the new bridge is because we can't answer those questions yet.

"It's a number of years away and we could find with the anchorages that everything is fine but we could find that there is damage and something needs to be done."

The Feta spokesman added, "It will take at least a year to excavate and they're using hydro-demolition, high-powered jets of water, as they have to get through rock and concrete.

"It's too close to the adjacent pier to the viaduct to use explosives or jack-hammers and we won't have the results of the investigation until 2013.

"We can't predict what we're going to find and it's really about trying to ensure the long-term structural integrity of the bridge."

Members of the public will be able to enjoy guided minibus tours of the Forth Road Bridge during an open week from 12th to 19th June.

It follows the success of a similar event in October 2009 and will begin with a family day for staff, their partners and children.

There will be an exhibition on the history of the bridge and the work Feta carries out while extended tours, including visits to the tower for schools and community groups, will also be possible. The cost of putting on the event will be around £9000.

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• 

  PitcorthieMiss
  Unregistered User
  Mar 4, 12:38
  Report comment

  Not another scare story from FETA.
  
  All these pointless 'reports' from consultant engineers cost mega-bucks, and only provide FETA with material which they use to run to the scottish government and a) beg for more money; and b) attempt to justify their existence as an organisation (quango).
  
  The scottish government can't stand FETA, hence the reason why they haven't been given the job to build and run the new bridge; however because they are a labour quango, it is proving difficult to bring in a new operator for the existing bridge.
  
  Here's an idea; why don't FETA use the money they currently spend on producing 'reports' to actually maintain the bridge properly, rather than increase the profits of the various consultants?
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

• 

  DB Resident
  Unregistered User
  Mar 5, 17:27
  Report comment

  if they dont know the condition of the anchorages, how can they know that the bridge is safe today let alone in three years?
  
  Seems to me that the new bridge cannot come soon enough. Shame it isnt going to be a tunnel though - they tend not to rust
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

• 

  Commuter
  Unregistered User
  Mar 6, 09:53
  Report comment

  FETA are a joke
  
  If ever this was a case of 'self interest' then this is it.
  
  The management of the bridge is a disgrace with this latest investigation another example of dreaming up issues to keep them in control.
  
  There are more basic changes needed to the bridge:
  
  Increase the speed limit to 60mph - that will decrease load by 20%
  
  Get rid of all the stupid signs - that will improve flow
  
  Stop imposing ridiculous speed limits when the wind blows a little
  
  I am afraid none of these suggestions will happen and the Health and Safety stock answers will be rolled out
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

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