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Authorities cleared over bridge death
Page 8
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A REPORT INTO a fatal accident on Londonderry's Foyle Bridge recommends a review of operating procedures in strong winds.
Truck driver Peter McGuinness died when his artic was blown through safety railings and plunged 100ft onto mud flats during January storms.
However the report, drawn up by Hyder Consulting for Northern Ireland's Roads Service, says that the authorities were not to blame for the accident as the winds had not reached the level which would normally require the bridge's closure.
The report also confirms that the bridge parapets were in good condition — but it does identify certain areas where the Roads Service could improve the management of the bridge during high winds.
Among the suggestions are: • Restrictions or closure of the bridge for high-sided vehicles during windy conditions • Lowering the minimum wind speed which triggers closure or restriction of use • Reviewing the speed limit • Strengthening the parapets McGuinness was driving a Volvo FH12 hauling an unladen curtain-sided trailer when the accident happened on 11 January.
The report notes: "This type of vehicle is particularly vulnerable to the action of cross-winds when unladen or lightly loaded. We are not aware of any universal advice given to drivers of such vehicles for action or risk assessment to be undertaken in high winds. "The parapet damage is consistent with [evidence] that the vehicle was blown partly onto its side and was supported on its nearside wheels only.
"This suggests it has rolled over and fallen vertically onto the para pet rather than impacting horizontally with it."
Under existing rules the Roads Service and police consult about closing the bridge if average wind speeds reach 50mph for a 10minute period.