Orwell Bridge Wind Monitoring & High Wind Protocol Review
Ipswich, Suffolk, UK · 2018–2021 (study conducted 2018-2019, changes implemented 2021)
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchA ground-breaking study identified new measures to keep the bridge open more frequently during high winds. - Implementing a reduced speed limit (60mph) in winds up to 60mph allowed the bridge to remain open more often. - The project demonstrates the use of advanced research and technology to optimize the operation of existing infrastructure. - Continuous monitoring and review of protocols are essential for adapting to new data and improving operational efficiency.
Key engineering challenges
Accurately predicting bridge behavior under various wind conditions. - Developing a robust protocol for bridge closure based on wind speed. - Balancing safety requirements with minimizing traffic disruption. - Utilizing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and numerical modeling for analysis.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- National Highways
- Lead contractor
- —
- Lead designers
- —
- Project type
- upgrade | research
- Scale
- Wind speed monitoring at 10-minute intervals; 60mph wind speed threshold for closure.
- Disciplines
- Civil; Structural; Aerodynamics; Systems Engineering
- Standards & frameworks
- —
Sources: National Highways: https://nationalhighways.co.uk/travel-updates/the-orwell-bridge/ - Gov.uk (2020): https://www.gov.uk/government/news/orwell-bridge-study-offers-new-hope-for-reducing-high-wind-closures - SWARCO: https://www.swarco.com/stories/were-keeping-orwell-bridge-open-during-high-winds - City University of London (2020): https://www.citystgeorges.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/2020/02/citys-structural-aerodynamics-group-carries-out-study-of-orwell-bridge - Ipswich.gov.uk (2020): https://democracy.ipswich.gov.uk/documents/s26870/OS-19-13%20Highways%20England%20Update%20on%20the%20Orwell%20Bridge%20Presentation.pdf