Economic impact of bridge functionality loss from a resilience perspective: Queensferry Crossing, UK

Abstract

Understanding the resilience of transport networks is critical for efficient asset management. This paper takes an innovative approach to studying the operability of the Queensferry Crossing (QFC) including cost-benefit aspects. A key driver for the QFC was to increase the resilience of the A90/M90 link by reducing weatherrelated closures. The first weather-related closure of the QFC was in February 2020, when ice formed on the superstructure cables and fell on the carriageway and vehicles, creating a safety risk for bridge users. The bridge was closed for 41 hours and in this paper, we compare the estimated monetary losses with those of past FRB closures. The costs of potential mitigation measures are then assessed in the context of closure costs, thus, improving the resilience of the QFC. Although the QFC has only been open for three years, it is already apparent that it is significantly more resilient than the largely replaced FRB, whether this is considered as the number, duration or costs of closures. It was also found that investing in adaptation measures to prevent similar events in the future is cost-effective, as the cost of a de-icing system is approximately equal to the daily cost of the QFC closure.

Resilience metrics for transport networks: a review and practical examples for bridges

“…see Smith et al 2021) or the disruption that is acceptable (e.g. in case of T1 or T2 no disruption is acceptable).…”

Conflict Resilience Framework for Critical Infrastructure Peacebuilding

“…Accessibility to designs, drawings and inspection records is less likely due to data protection security and potential loss of data during conflicts. For example, data could inform the design of adaptation measures to climate change (Smith et al, 2021). However, this is less relevant to conflicts, where RBD for critical infrastructure is highly unlikely because planners typically do not consider future conflicts in infrastructure design.…”

Bridge and transport network resilience – a perspective

“…Bridges are important components of transport networks (Guikema and Gardoni, 2009), yet they are the most relevant assets as they are key points within the network, being their recovery after a loss of functionality and/or safety much more complicated than for other assets. Their restoration is challenging and costly (Smith et al, 2021;Rokneddin et al, 2013). Bridges are disproportionately exposed to and hit by multiple natural and human-induced hazards, e.g.…”