Bridges and low bridges
There are some bridges in Northern Ireland which road users should exercise extreme caution when using. These include low bridges and weight restricted bridges. They range from box culvert to large steel structures such as the Foyle Bridge. Interactive maps can help show where these bridges are located.
Interactive maps
Two interactive maps for low bridges and weight restricted bridges will show structures that require the road user to be extremely cautious when travelling over/ under them.
You can find the interactive maps at the following link:
Low bridges
Each year large vehicles collide with overhead bridges. Such collisions endanger lives as well as cause delays on the road and rail networks. A railway bridge collision could also result in the derailment of a train with potentially disastrous consequences.
An interactive map has been produced to inform drivers of high vehicles, or vehicles with high loads, about bridges with less than 16 feet 6 inches (5.03 metres) clearance.
Weight restricted bridges
In order to protect the road network (including bridges) and the safety of road users, weight restrictions will refer to maximum gross weight (MGW), rather than laden or unladen weight and will be shown on the interactive map.
Know your signs
The signs below are used to indicate the maximum headroom of the hazard in both imperial and metric units. Do not ignore them.
Advance warning of a low bridge
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Some arch bridges may have a specific headroom over a specific width. This is designated by a white chord on the arch, as shown below.
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Black and yellow bands may be added to the arches or girders and parapet walls to improve their visual impact. Special road markings may also be used to help guide high vehicles through the highest part of the arch.
Remember these three simple safety rules:
- know your height
- know your route
- know your signs
If you have a long load, remember to take care at bridges where the road curves or dips.
Sat Nav
If you have a sat nav, you can also use it to locate low and weight restricted bridges. Below are links which you can use:
Installation guidance for Garmin Sat Nav can be found on the website below:
Installation guidance for TomTom Sat Nav can be found on the website below:
If you have a collision
If your vehicle does collide with a bridge, inform the PSNI immediately and advise the appropriate authority. If it is a railway bridge, Northern Ireland Railways must be informed immediately.
telephone: 028 9089 9400Roads Service
Roads Service is the sole road authority in Northern Ireland, responsible for approximately 5,800 bridges. If you require any further information contact Roads Service by:
telephone: 028 9054 0540Abnormal Loads Section
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