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Mini-ramps to help bridge traffic Mini-ramps to help bridge traffic
(about 10 hours later)
Plans for "mini-bridges" designed to reduce the impact of major roadworks on the Forth Road Bridge, scheduled for next year, have been unveiled.Plans for "mini-bridges" designed to reduce the impact of major roadworks on the Forth Road Bridge, scheduled for next year, have been unveiled.
Two large temporary ramps over the main expansion joints would allow workers to rebuild the worn-out components while traffic continues to flow overhead.Two large temporary ramps over the main expansion joints would allow workers to rebuild the worn-out components while traffic continues to flow overhead.
A study showed a continuous contraflow of eight weeks would be needed to replace the bridge's expansion joints.A study showed a continuous contraflow of eight weeks would be needed to replace the bridge's expansion joints.
The custom-built ramps would be 80 metres long and two metres high.The custom-built ramps would be 80 metres long and two metres high.
They would be positioned under each of the Forth Road Bridge's towers.They would be positioned under each of the Forth Road Bridge's towers.
These joints have reached the end of their design life and need to be replaced Barry ColfordFeta chief engineerThese joints have reached the end of their design life and need to be replaced Barry ColfordFeta chief engineer
A 30mph speed limit would be in place and all vehicles except HGVs would be able to use them.A 30mph speed limit would be in place and all vehicles except HGVs would be able to use them.
The ramps would take several days to construct and dismantle, so week-long contraflows would still be required at the beginning and the end of the project.The ramps would take several days to construct and dismantle, so week-long contraflows would still be required at the beginning and the end of the project.
Similar restrictions would be required the following year when the joints on the opposite carriageway were replaced.Similar restrictions would be required the following year when the joints on the opposite carriageway were replaced.
However, at least six weeks of continuous contraflow would be avoided each year.However, at least six weeks of continuous contraflow would be avoided each year.
A new report to the Forth Estuary Transport Authority (Feta) shows that estimated costs for the scheme are still to be finalised, but there would be a significant increase over the original £3.5m estimate for replacing the main expansion joints.A new report to the Forth Estuary Transport Authority (Feta) shows that estimated costs for the scheme are still to be finalised, but there would be a significant increase over the original £3.5m estimate for replacing the main expansion joints.
Additional funding would be needed from the Scottish Government.Additional funding would be needed from the Scottish Government.
'Significant cost''Significant cost'
Barry Colford, Feta chief engineer and bridgemaster, said: "These joints have reached the end of their design life and need to be replaced.Barry Colford, Feta chief engineer and bridgemaster, said: "These joints have reached the end of their design life and need to be replaced.
"However, eight weeks of continuous contraflow on the Forth Road Bridge would bring almost intolerable pressure to bear on the transport network."However, eight weeks of continuous contraflow on the Forth Road Bridge would bring almost intolerable pressure to bear on the transport network.
"That's why we kept on looking for innovative ways of reducing the period of closures required."That's why we kept on looking for innovative ways of reducing the period of closures required.
"We've worked up the design of these ramps and carried out the calculations, and we've now confirmed that this is technically possible."We've worked up the design of these ramps and carried out the calculations, and we've now confirmed that this is technically possible.
"Some strengthening of the bridge deck will be required and the overall cost and length of the project will increase.""Some strengthening of the bridge deck will be required and the overall cost and length of the project will increase."
Tony Martin, FETA convener, said: "These ramps will add significantly to the cost of replacing the main expansion joints. Tony Martin, Feta convener, said: "These ramps will add significantly to the cost of replacing the main expansion joints.
"However, recent economic studies indicate that this is good value for money compared to the delays and costs to business of a continuous eight-week contraflow."However, recent economic studies indicate that this is good value for money compared to the delays and costs to business of a continuous eight-week contraflow.
"Initial feedback from our major stakeholders has been very positive, and they have indicated that two separate one-week closures would be far easier to cope with than a continuous eight-week period."Initial feedback from our major stakeholders has been very positive, and they have indicated that two separate one-week closures would be far easier to cope with than a continuous eight-week period.
"HGVs would probably not be able to cross the bridge in one direction during the works, but this only represents 3% of the bridge's total traffic.""HGVs would probably not be able to cross the bridge in one direction during the works, but this only represents 3% of the bridge's total traffic."
The Feta board will discuss the proposal at their next meeting on 22 February.The Feta board will discuss the proposal at their next meeting on 22 February.