Published on 4 Sep 2009
To mark the 45th anniversary of the opening of the Forth Road Bridge, the Forth Estuary Transport Authority (FETA) has released rarely seen video footage including time lapse photography showing how the bridge flexes to accommodate the effects of traffic and the weather.
The two and a half minute film, available to view on YouTube, paints a memorable portrait of the Forth Road Bridge, using archive footage of the bridge under construction as well as spectacular new views from the top of the towers and around the structure.
The bridge is designed to flex, expand and contract and a section of the film, recorded using time lapse technology, shows how the deck quite literally undulates to accommodate the load imposed by wind and traffic. Commenting on the bridge’s anniversary and the release of the footage, FETA Vice-Convener Tony Martin said: “This video provides a fascinating snapshot of the Forth Road Bridge which has captured the imagination of everyone who has seen it. The bridge is a Scottish icon, admired by bridge engineers worldwide for its elegant proportions and efficient design. “It’s a tribute to the bridge’s workforce and management that the structure has reached this milestone in such good condition, and that it continues to form such a reliable link in Scotland’s road network.”
The history of the Forth Road Bridge will be celebrated with an Open Week from 26 – 31 October when a public exhibition will staged at the bridge offices in South Queensferry. On Saturday 31 October, tours of the bridge will be available, including a rare opportunity to visit the cable anchorages.
The video can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/user/ForthRoadBridge
The Bridge:
Facts & Figures
Opened 1964, 2.5 km long, Main span 1006 metres
divider
- No restrictions on bridge (19:34 UTC 04/02/12)