New cable access platform
The Storebælt Bridge’s main cables support the roadway between the bridge’s anchor blocks and its 254-metre-high pylons. When the cables need to be inspected and maintained, technicians must be able to work in close proximity to them. This requires a specially designed access platform.
The platform can travel from road level to the tops of the pylons. From there, technicians can inspect the main cables, tighten bolts and maintain steel components to protect them from exposure to the elements. The platform will be lifted onto the main cable and tested for the first time on Tuesday evening.
"The Storebælt Bridge is one of Denmark’s most important transport links, and it must remain in top condition every single day to keep traffic moving smoothly. To carry out this work, we need highly specialised equipment. The new cable access platform enables us to work safely and efficiently several hundred metres above ground without affecting traffic," says Martin Duus Havelykke, Operations Manager at Sund & Bælt, responsible for the Storebælt Bridge’s structures.
The new platform has been several years in development and has been designed specifically for the Storebælt Bridge. It replaces a platform that, after more than 25 years of service, has reached the end of its operational life. It has also been engineered so that, in time, it can be used to replace other critical components of the bridge.
How traffic will be affected
To make room for the crane, traffic will operate in both directions on one side of the bridge while the platform is lifted from the roadway onto the main cables on the other side.
The Storebælt Bridge will therefore be closed briefly on Tuesday 6 October from 19:00 to 19:45 while traffic is diverted. After that, traffic will run in both directions on one carriageway, and a speed limit of 80 km/h will apply for the remainder of the evening and overnight.
Normal traffic operations will resume the following morning. As part of this process, the bridge will again be closed briefly from 05:00 to 05:45.
Motorists are advised to cross the bridge outside these periods where possible.
Scheduled bridge closures
Tuesday 6 October: 19:00-19:45
Wednesday 7 October: 05:00-05:45