Drones and 3D mapping software are being tested by Transport for NSW to assess bridges and determine their need for maintenance.
The organisation said in a LinkedIn post that the drones were safer and less disruptive than previous inspection techniques, and could be used to “reach challenging places.”
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the bridges across our state where we have been successfully testing this technology, according to TfNSW.
Over the course of three weeks, trials were also conducted at the Gladesville Bridge and “other bridges in regional NSW”.
The technology will “ensure bridges across the NSW road network are maintained to the greatest level today and into the future,” according to Natalie Ward, minister for metropolitan roads.
It is a game-changer for our preventative maintenance inspections, which now can be completed in less than half the time and would often take months to complete.
Despite being referred to as a trial, it is still unknown whether the technology has advanced to the point of being used in production or how frequently flights would need to take place for each asset managed.
The state’s 2021–2024 transportation technology roadmap includes drone deployment.
