Study investigates drying out Forth Road Bridge cables

Published: February 13, 2006

Consultant Faber Maunsell is set to be appointed to carry out a six month study addressing corrosion of the Forth Road Bridge's main suspension cables. The board of the Forth Estuary Transport Association (FETA) meets on 24 February and will discuss a report which calls for an immediate study to investigate the prospects for installing a dehumidification system on the cables.

This follows a detailed two-year inspection which found evidence of corrosion, resulting in some reduction of cable strength. The bridge remains safe for use but FETA predicts that it could close to traffic by 2019 if no action is taken.

The proposal is to wrap the main cables in a neoprene membrane, then dry them out by pumping in dried air at various points.

Faber Maunsell's team will include Nippon Steel and New York-based Weidlinger Associates.

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