Queensferry Crossing Ice Risk, UK
Using advanced digital monitoring to keep traffic flowing over Queensferry Crossing
Arup has been working with Transport Scotland and bridge operator, Bear Scotland, on addressing the risk of ice accretion on the Queensferry Crossing. In the two years since its opening, the bridge has had to be shut several times due to risk of vehicles being damaged by ice falling from cables. Arup provided the initial diagnosis of the icing mechanism and the highly specific weather conditions under which it occurs. Along with advising on feasibility of a range of technological measures to prevent the ice from forming, the team’s current focus is on limiting disruptions through effective risk forecasting and proactive traffic management. A pilot study is being conducted on a new digital system aimed at providing improved risk forecasts using specialist computational weather models, bringing together Arup’s knowledge of climate science, bridge engineering and digital systems.
