Tamar Bridge weather information
The following high wind procedures are for the safety of all bridge users and to minimise traffic disruption caused by overturned vehicles or the shedding of loads.
Drivers of restricted or wind susceptible vehicles should divert via an alternative route as early as possible. Restricted vehicles arriving at the bridge may be turned back by the police or Highways England Traffic Officers.
It is every driver’s responsibility to consider the safety of their own vehicle and that of other road users. Drivers must consider both the condition and stability of their vehicle (overturning) as well as the security of any loads being carried which could be blown off causing danger to others.
Typical examples of loads that can be blown off vehicles during high winds include wheel trims and bodywork panels, roof racks carrying bikes, canoes, and suitcases etc, tarpaulin covers and side curtains and loose items carried in flat-bed type vans and trucks.
If you are in any doubt, please contact Bridge Control on 01752 361577 (dial ‘1’ if outside office hours) for advice.
4 Stage Wind Restriction Procedure
The Tamar Bridge uses a 4 stage Wind Restriction procedure as follows:
Below 45mph *
Normal operation
Sustained Gusts Exceeding 45–55mph*
Central Lane closure on Bridge Main Deck (to provide a safety zone)
Sustained Gusts Exceeding 55–75mph*
Vehicle restrictions in force
Wind susceptible vehicles are PROHIBITED from crossing the bridge, these include:
1. High-side vehicles, including but not limited to:
- High Sided Curtain or Container Vehicles
- Double Decker Buses
- Luton Vans or High Top Modified Vans
- Wind Susceptible Abnormal Loads
2. Vehicles towing trailers or caravans
3. Vehicles fitted with roof racks and carrying large items
4. Motorcycles
5. Bicycles
6. Trikes and cabinless quads
7. Three-wheeled cars
8. Any vehicles with unsecured or wind susceptible loads
9. Any vehicle in a poor state of repair
10. Any other vehicle which appears, in the judgement of the Police or Bridge staff, to be clearly at risk
Sustained Gusts Exceeding 75mph*
Bridge CLOSED to all Traffic, Pedestrians and Cyclists
* Depending on wind direction
To avoid making constant changes, we look for rising or falling wind speed patterns of at least twenty minutes.
We use maximum gust speeds rather than average wind speeds, as these give the best indication of the likely ‘push and pull’ forces drivers may experience. We also take into account wind direction and prevailing traffic flows and speeds.
The above procedures have been in place for several decades and have proved effective in balancing the need to keep traffic moving whilst maintaining acceptable levels of safety for drivers and staff.