Blynman Bridge Mobile Application

Please note, this is a self-directed project. It was done for a love of design, learning, and in the interests of self-discovery.

Problem Statement

As residents, tourist, neighbors, or just passing through we find ourselves on either side of the drawbridge waiting. The Gloucester Blynman Bridge holds traffic at a standstill throughout the year and especially the summer. Today we are looking for a solution that alerts people that the bridge is either up or down. In addition to the common traffic using the bridge, boaters also need a solution for, navigating the water, connecting with the tower, and planning their day

Solution

A mobile app that connects public with information on the Blynman Bridge status. Drivers and pedestrians have simple information about the up or down position and the standard wait time. Boaters will have access to VHF information, high traffic days, and general safety tips. Whether you’re a boater crossing underneath or a pedestrian on top the Blynman Bridge app has all the information you need to plan your day.

Role

Research, Explore, Design, Define, Test, Implement, Test

Research

Blynman Bridge

105 Western Avenue - Rte 127

Gloucester, MA 01930

42° 36' 35.55'', -70° 40' 23.7''

Bridge Type

Bascule

Closed Vertical Clearance

8 Feet

Horizontal Clearance

30 Feet

Contact

VHF - 13

Phone: 1-800-227-0608

Schedule

The draw will open on signalexcept on Thanksgiving, December 24 and 25, and December 31 and January 1, where at least a two-hour notice must be given.

Bridge Data Collection

Pulling data from on-site digital services through IT would be a best case scenario. If data was sent to a second source, MASS HIGHWAY for instance it would be essential all data is live to ensure applications efficiency.

Integrating external services like a WAZE or Google API would be a great second option. Testing would be imperative to ensure accuracy.

A sensor attached to the bridge that sends data to a server would be a third option. The sensor could be simple, like a garage door opener that tracks the up or down state and sends you notifications that its open.

Interview Q&A

Bridge operator, local commuter, and boat captain

1. What is the maximum amount time the bridge can be up?
10 Minutes
2. How long does it take for the bridge to fully extend, from the moment you press the button?
2 ½ minutes to fully extend. Half extension is 1 minute.
3. What is the average time for a boat to pass through, from start of communication to green light?
5-7 minutes
4. What are the hours of operation?
24-hour operation
5. On average (busy season) how many boats pass through in one day?
347 bridge openings were the most in 2018 for one day.

6. When is boat traffic the heaviest?
4-7 am and 10:30am-12pm noon. Night time is mild.
7. How do you decide if boats on the bay side or river side go first?
River side boats go first.

Bridge Operator with a family of four. Safety is her #1 priority, followed by happy boaters, and happy drivers.

Carol

1. How often do you cross the Blynman bridge per day, week, month?

1-3 x/day. 15 x/week. 60 x/month
2. How often does the bridge interrupt your commute?
Winter: 2 x/week. Summer 10 x/week
3. What is the maximum amount of time you want to wait at the bridge?
10 minutes
4. Do you take alternate routes to avoid the bridge during busy (summer) season?
yes

5. Do you check your phone before you leave your home?
Not always.
6. Do you check notifications, or do you find them annoying on your phone?
I check for notifications on my tablet, rarely on my cell.
7. Overall, would a Blynman bridge alert app be helpful to you?
Yes. Especially in summer, in order to seek the alternate

route into Gloucester.

Local driver and pedestrian just wants to walk his dog or visit his grandchildren without waiting at the bridge.

John Healy

1. How often do you pass under the bridge via Gloucester harbor and river side?

2-3 x/day. 10-15 x/week. 50 x/month
2. How long does it take you to pass through Blynman Canal Bridge?

On average it takes 5 minutes. Busy, summer days can take up to 1/2 hour.
3. How often do you use VHF Channel 13 to communicate?

All the time, this is the best way to communicate with other boats as well.

4. Have you ever not been able to communicate with the bridge operator?

This has never been a problem.
5. What are some of the challenges when passing through?

Navigation issues near the bridge such as strong current.

Unusual traffic (such as a fishing on the other side), or large vessel traffic with right of way.

6. What factors slow down your commute?

Inexperienced boaters

6. Would you benefit from real time bridge activity?

Probably not as a boater, but it would be nice to have when I am in my car.

Boat Captain, fisherman and early bird. "I plan to be on the water before sunrise and off just after lunch."

Joe Martin

Please note some of these close-ended questions need a survey.

Discovery

Problems in commuting over the bridge are focused around the the summer days.
The bridge operates 24/7 and all data is logged, (pen and paper).
There is only one alternate route to avoid the bridge.
Residents south east of the bridge would benefit the most with a bridge app notification.
Inexperienced boaters are the biggest safety problem.

Thankfully, living close to the bridge and having family and friends who use the bridge often made this easier. Watching the bridge operate from inside the control room was a great experience too, takes a skilled hand.

Mapping

Primary App Map

Wireframes

To be continued...