When the wind is 10 m/s or more on the Storebælt Bridge, special rules and speed limits apply, which must be observed.
How to drive on the Storebælt Bridge when it is windy
Monday 6 November at 16.00, the ban on passing the bridge in strong crosswinds was lifted for trailers over 2.5 tons and instead it will only be aimed at trailers up to 2.5 tons, i.e. preferably smaller trailers and caravans.
This means that we give far more of our customers the opportunity to drive over the Storebælt Bridge and also allow higher speeds for them, but it also means that our customers must respect the posted speed limits so that safety is maintained. Therefore, we monitor the speed when customers drive on the bridge, and if the speed limit is not respected, we will reintroduce closure for all wind-sensitive vehicles in the event of strong winds.
What is a trailer?
A trailer is a vehicle designed to be towed by another vehicle.
This means a caravan, a horse trailer or the like. The list is not exhaustive.
The restrictions apply regardless of which vehicle tows the trailer.
Remember, it is always the driver's responsibility to assess whether it is safe to pass the bridge.
New traffic signs must inform about the ban
New signs have been installed showing the specific bans for trailers. The signs can be seen before the last exit when the ban comes into effect. On the bridge signs with the current speed is shown.
Please note that there may be a difference between the speed on the West Bridge and the East Bridge, as the wind may vary on the two bridges.
When this sign is displayed, trailers with an actual total weight under 750 kg are not permitted to drive over the bridge.
When this sign is displayed, trailers with an actual total weight under 2.5 t are not permitted to drive over the bridge.
The following safety rules apply in the event of strong winds:
Wind (north/south) | Information on the Storebælt Bridge |
|---|---|
Strong winds (10-15 m/sec.)
| Drivers are informed before the last exit that crossing the bridge with a trailer with an actual total weight of less than 750 kg is not allowed. Permitted speed: 110 km/h. |
Fresh gale (15-20 m/sec.) | Drivers are informed before the last exit that crossing the bridge with a trailer with an actual total weight under 2.5 t is not allowed.
|
Stormy gale (20-25 m/sec.) | Drivers are informed before the last exit that crossing the bridge with a trailer with an actual total weight under 2.5 t is not allowed. |
Storm (> 25 m/sec.) | Barriers are used to close the bridge. Signs inform drivers of the closure and of the expected reopening time at the last exit before the bridge. |
Wind shielding has helped to ease wind restrictions
Earlier this year, wind screens were installed at pylons and anchor blocks on the High Bridge to ease the impact from gusts of wind. Analyses and calculations have subsequently made it possible to identify the impact of the wind more precisely.
This is why we can now allow many more vehicles to cross the bridge in strong crosswinds and instead, target our restrictions at trailers.
However, it is a condition that everyone observes the speed limit when crossing the bridge, and that is why we monitor the speed.
When you cannot cross the bridge
If you find yourself in a situation where you cannot cross the bridge due to strong winds, for example, there are holding areas on both sides of the bridge.
At Fyn, you can wait at the rest area by the Monarch cafeteria at exit 44.
At Zealand, you can wait at the Q8 petrol station at exit 43.
Information will be available at both places on when you can cross the bridge.