CENTRALIZED REMOTE CONTROL OF MOVABLE BRIDGES

Florida's movable bridges are an integral part of its waterway system. High annual increases in bridge tender salaries, low operational efficiency, poor operator security, demands for improved operational service through faster opening times and coordination with other bridges, are cited as reasons for seeking an alternate method of bridge operation. The idea of Centralized Bridge Control (CBC) was developed and defined as a control system that duplicates the present method of operation using remotely controlled equipment in the areas of observation and response. An experimental project utilizing CBC revealed certain operational and engineering problems in the area of observation and distance judgement, image, and blooming of headlights during nightime operation. Several cost benefits and savings were achieved from a CBC pilot operation. Operator efficiency was increased, cost reductions were realized in operator salaries, labor overhead and miscellaneous costs, operator security was increased, and waterway control improved. Because of a severe reduction in revenues, the State has not been able to expand the CBC program. However, preliminary studies have been made that identify bridges having CBC potential and possible groupings of the bridges into CBC clusters.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Presented at the 35th Annual Convention of the Southeastern Association of State Highway and Transportation Officals, New Orleans, Louisiana, September, 1976.
• Corporate Authors:

  Southeastern Assn of State Hwy & Transp Officials

  444 North Capitol Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001
• Authors:
  • Roberts, J W
• Publication Date: 1976-9

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures;
• Pagination: 9 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automation; Benefit cost analysis; Bridges; Economic efficiency; Operating costs; Personnel; Remote control
• Uncontrolled Terms: Efficiency
• Old TRIS Terms: Remote control systems
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Economics; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Society;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00167481
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: Proceeding
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 18 1978 12:00AM