As part of the CTDOT's ongoing mission to improve and evaluate its
operations and to assess the usefulness and functionality of new technologies,
on Tuesday, December 15, 2015, the CTDOT will utilize an Unmanned Aerial
Vehicle (UAV) to perform limited visual bridge inspection tasks on the Gold Star
Memorial Bridge.
The testing process will gauge the ability of the UAV to provide access
to as well as to photograph areas of the northbound bridge that are typically
difficult to reach via traditional means such as snooper-trucks or ropes and
climbers.
The Gold Star Memorial Bridges consist of two distinct structures carrying
I-95 northbound and southbound respectively over the Thames River between Groton
and New London. The structures are the longest bridges in the state at roughly
1-mile each, with the main spans rising approximately 100-feet over the Thames
River. In October of this year, the CTDOT completed a full routine inspection
of the Gold Star Memorial Bridges using lifts, snooper-trucks, and ropes and
climbers.
Upon completion of the UAV test inspection activities, the CTDOT will perform an
analysis of the results, including the advantages and disadvantages of the
system and its effectiveness at gathering detailed information in comparison to
previous conventional inspections. The outcome of the review will help determine
the potential for UAV bridge inspection technologies to improve upon or
supplement bridge inspection processes on select structures throughout the
state.
“This is an important step for our agency – the testing of a new technology
with the potential to improve results, efficiencies, and safety for the
public,” said Commissioner James P. Redeker. “The willingness to examine new
technologies - to innovate and to keep an open mind - is critical if we are to
find better ways of doing business, and I applaud the Department’s Bridge Safety
Division for initiating this test.”
In the case of inclement weather, the testing will take place on Wednesday,
December 16, 2015.
