News
Turnpike Agency to Use Drone to Inspect Bridge for 1st Time
By: Associated Press
Posted on:
BEREA, Ohio (AP) — The Ohio Turnpike plans to use a drone to inspect a bridge for the first time next month.
Officials say a remote-controlled aircraft will inspect the Sandusky River Bridge in mid-September if weather allows.
The turnpike’s executive director says officials hope to determine if drone inspections save time and money while making inspections safer by eliminating the need to use bucket trucks to check bridges.
Sections of the turnpike now must be closed and work zones created when bridges are inspected, somethings not required when using drones.
Cole says drones might be allowed for other types of activities along the turnpike if next month’s test is successful.
The Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio State Highway Patrol also are considering using drones along freeways and interstates.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.