24 Hour Wind Speed Graph

The graph on this page shows average wind speeds and maximum gusts for the past 24 hours. The most recent wind speeds appear at the right hand side. The graph is updated every ten minutes.

The horizontal coloured lines show the speeds at which bridge control implements restrictions. Control room staff look for a rising or falling pattern lasting at least 20 minutes before implementing restrictions, to avoid constantly making changes.

These procedures are for the safety of bridge users and to minimise disruption to traffic caused by overturned vehicles.

Drivers of restricted vehicles should divert via an alternative route as early as possible – restricted vehicles arriving at the bridge will be turned back by the police. Variable message signs operated by Traffic Scotland warn of restrictions on most approaches to the bridge. Travel bulletins on local and national radio stations also provide regular updates.

It is every driver’s responsibility to consider the safety of their own vehicle and that of other road users. If you are in any doubt, please contact Bridge Control on 0131 319 3083 for advice.

Effectiveness of procedures

Over the years these procedures have generally proved effective. In the last decade, only a handful of vehicles out of a total of over 200 million have overturned on the bridge. Similar procedures are in operation at other major UK bridges. A balance has to be struck – lighter restrictions would result in more overturned vehicles, while more stringent restrictions would lead to unnecessary traffic delays.

Strong Wind Procedures

Standard procedures are applied during strong winds at the Forth Road Bridge. These procedures are for the safety of bridge users and to minimise disruption to traffic caused by overturned vehicles. Wind speeds are constantly monitored by Bridge Control, and different levels of restrictions are automatically applied when winds reach pre-determined trigger levels.

Drivers of restricted vehicles should divert via an alternative route as early as possible – all restricted vehicles arriving at the bridge will be turned back by the police. Variable message signs operated by Traffic Scotland warn of restrictions on most approaches to the bridge. Travel bulletins on local and national radio stations also provide regular updates.

It is every drivers responsibility to consider the safety of their own vehicle and that of other road users. If you are in any doubt, please contact Bridge Control on 0131 319 3083 for advice.

 

WIND SPEED	RESTRICTIONS
Winds with gusts exceeding 35 mph with a rising wind pattern.	40mph speed limit on bridge.
Winds with gusts exceeding 45 mph with a rising wind pattern.	Bridge closed to double-decked buses.
Winds with gusts exceeding 50 mph with a rising wind pattern.	Bridge closed to: High-sided rigid or articulated HGVs Articulated tippers (if empty) Furniture vans Luton vans Transit van style with modification Vehicles with trailers or caravans Vehicles with roof boxes or wind-susceptible roof rack items Motorcycles Bicycles Three-wheeled cars Any other vehicle which appears, in the judgement of bridge staff or the police, to be clearly at risk. Bridge closed to pedestrians.
Winds with gusts exceeding 65 mph with a rising wind pattern.	Bridge closed to all vehicles except cars. 30mph speed limit on bridge.
Winds with gusts exceeding 80 mph with a rising wind pattern.	Bridge closed to all traffic.

 

Effectiveness of procedures

Over the years these procedures have generally proved effective. In the last five years, only a handful of vehicles out of a total of over 120 million have overturned on the bridge. Similar procedures are in operation at other major UK bridges. A balance has to be struck – lighter restrictions would result in more overturned vehicles, while more stringent restrictions would lead to unnecessary traffic delays.