1960s structure that was officially named "Foyle Bridge" when it opened. Lifford Bridge is a concrete road bridge between Lifford and Strabane. Incidents and accidents In 1984, while drilling the steel parapets during the bridge's construction, Kevin Ross (35), was knocked off the side into the water below when drilling equipment he was using failed, resulting in said equipment losing its magnetic base capability and hitting him in the chest. He was retrieved by standby river safety staff on duty, but unfortunately did not survive. In January 2005 during a storm, a lorry was blown off the bridge and its driver, Peter McGuinness, killed. An investigation was launched since the storm had not been unusually severe, and it was concluded that a freak gust had contributed to the accident. However, due to the danger from cross winds, the bridge is now closed to traffic when the weather is particularly windy. Windsocks and warning signs are in place at each end to alert the drivers of HGVs. A new bridge management system was put in place following a review. When wind speeds reach the first trigger level of 30 mph, signs on the bridge will display an advisory speed limit of 30 mph. If the wind speeds increase to 40 mph, signs on the bridge approaches will direct high-sided vehicles to use the Craigavon Bridge instead. When the wind speed exceeds 50 mph the Foyle Bridge will be closed to all vehicles. The new system, costing £800,000, has the capacity of automatically receiving information from the wind monitoring equipment on the bridge and displaying appropriate warnings and instructions on variable message signs. These signs are located at strategic points around the city on roads leading to the Foyle Bridge and entrances to the city, including on roads leading from the Republic of Ireland. Gallery References External links Roads Service Leaflet – Explanation of Strengthening and Refurbishment Scheme Roads Service – Investigation into Incident at Foyle Bridge on 11 January 2005 Bridges in Northern Ireland Bridges completed in 1984 Buildings and structures in Derry (city) Cantilever bridges Box girder bridges Derry (city)