Due to construction work on a new road bridge over Breiðholtsbraut, height barriers have been installed on either side of the construction site to prevent vehicles from colliding with the bridge.
Lights and information signs have also been put up to draw the attention of road users to these height restrictions. If the barriers are struck, an acoustic signal will sound to warn workers of the impending danger.
These measures are intended to ensure the safety of both road users and those working on the bridge. Serious risks may arise if drivers of vehicles with excessively high loads attempt to pass under the bridge while work is in progress. The bridge is scheduled to be poured in October as part of the construction of the new Arnarnesvegur.
Traffic has been diverted to the south lane of Breiðholtsbraut due to the construction. An underpass has been installed beneath the bridge deck to carry traffic, supported by steel beams resting on loaded concrete units. While the bridge is being built, the clearance under the bridge will be reduced by the height of the underpass. However, the clearance remains greater than the maximum vehicle height permitted by regulations, which is 4.2 meters.
Repeated Violations of Height Restrictions
Despite the safety measures in place, vehicles have repeatedly struck the height barriers, sometimes without drivers paying attention to the bridge structure itself. If a load is high enough to hit the underside of the bridge, there is a risk of collapse, as the construction involves dozens of steel components, each weighing around two tons.
Should these, along with other construction equipment, fall from a height of about five meters onto a vehicle below, the consequences could be catastrophic. The same risk applies to the workers carrying out the bridge construction.
Additional Safety Equipment Installed
The road authority has further strengthened safety measures in the area. An automatic warning system, similar to those commonly used in tunnels, has been installed. The system activates red flashing lights if an oversized vehicle approaches, requiring drivers to stop immediately.
The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration Urges Caution
The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration urges contractors, transport companies, and drivers of larger vehicles to familiarize themselves with the height restrictions in place.
It is especially important to ensure that truck platforms are lowered, cranes are properly stowed, and loads do not exceed the permitted height. The aim is to prevent accidents and to ensure the safety of both construction workers and road users on Breiðholtsbraut during the bridge project.
Source: Vegagerdin.is
