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24/10/2005
Safety improvements on Foyle Bridge announced
Additional safety measures are to be put in place on the Foyle Bridge in Londonderry, the Roads Service announced today.
The move will see "two high specification variable message signs" on the approaches to the bridge at a cost of £300,000. These signs will form part of the new arrangements being introduced on the bridge to help improve safety during periods of high winds.
It comes 10 months after a lorry driver died in January when his unladen articulated lorry, which was towing a trailer, was blown through the bridge safety railings.
The bridge, which was normally closed in high winds, was open to high-sided vehicles on the day of the accident despite forecasts of 90 miles per hour winds.
The new signs will automatically warn drivers about high wind speeds on the bridge and apply an advisory 30mph speed limit.
Northern Division's Divisional Roads Manager, Jim Beattie, said: "The new system will also assist our duty engineers to closely monitor the wind speeds on the bridge and decide when the bridge needs to be closed and when it is safe to re-open the bridge.
"It is intended that the on-site testing and commissioning of the new variable message signs will be completed at the beginning of November and the new procedures will be introduced at the stage for the winter period."
(MB)
The move will see "two high specification variable message signs" on the approaches to the bridge at a cost of £300,000. These signs will form part of the new arrangements being introduced on the bridge to help improve safety during periods of high winds.
It comes 10 months after a lorry driver died in January when his unladen articulated lorry, which was towing a trailer, was blown through the bridge safety railings.
The bridge, which was normally closed in high winds, was open to high-sided vehicles on the day of the accident despite forecasts of 90 miles per hour winds.
The new signs will automatically warn drivers about high wind speeds on the bridge and apply an advisory 30mph speed limit.
Northern Division's Divisional Roads Manager, Jim Beattie, said: "The new system will also assist our duty engineers to closely monitor the wind speeds on the bridge and decide when the bridge needs to be closed and when it is safe to re-open the bridge.
"It is intended that the on-site testing and commissioning of the new variable message signs will be completed at the beginning of November and the new procedures will be introduced at the stage for the winter period."
(MB)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
