Bridge boss warns wind worry won't blow over

BRIDGEMASTER Barry Colford has warned there are "no easy answers" to the issue of mitigating the impact of strong winds at the Forth Road Bridge.

Last week a working group unveiled a string of proposals for the bridge during high winds, including the installation of barriers to help deflect strong gusts.

Other proposals include a mandatory 30 mph speed limit on the approaches to the bridge during strong winds.

But Mr Colford has warned: "There are no easy answers to this problem, but we are determined to do what can be done to minimise the risk. It's a matter of managing risk. The safety of bridge users comes first, but a balance has to be struck with the strategic requirement to keep the traffic flowing.

"Over the years there have been very few serious incidents caused by strong winds and there is no doubt that our existing procedures have prevented many more incidents occurring.

"For this reason the working group is not recommending changing the wind speed at which we divert vehicles."

He added the group noted the importance of improved signage and communication in diverting wind-susceptible vehicles.