Crosswind on Mile-Long Bridge

Signs are posted and a wind sock is blowing to alert drivers that weather conditions could make driving hazardous when traveling across Lake Red Rock's Mile-Long Bridge over the Des Moines River.

Video

Polk County

Iowa Core Standard

3-ESS3-1

Make a claim about the merit of a design solution that reduces the impacts of a weather-related hazard.

Driving Question

How can the bridge be made safe enough to drive across when it is windy?

Probing Questions

Why does it feel so windy when driving across the bridge?

Classroom Suggestions

Students could:

Brainstorm ways that the bridge could be made safe for travel.

Resources

AccuWeather | How are US bridges built to withstand powerful winds, hurricanes and earthquakes?: This site describes how bridges are built to withstand hazardous weather.
Research Gate | Windbreak protection for road vehicles against crosswind: This article for educators explains a study done about porous windbreaks that were installed on bridges to reduce the amount of crosswind
WHO TV: Strong winds topple semi on "Mile-Long Bridge": News story describing a semi that overturned due to strong winds on Saylorville Lake's "Mile-Long Bridge."

Contributors

Submitted by Miika Busick.