Bridge and Dam Security with 3D LiDAR
A movable bridge should never open while someone is still on the span. Quanergy Q-TRACK 3D LiDAR detects pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles on and near the bridge in real time, in any light, so operators know the span is clear before it moves. The same platform protects the perimeters of dams and other water control infrastructure.
Source: Quanergy and Florida Drawbridges, Inc. announcement, October 2024.
Before a bridge lifts, someone has to be sure no one is on it
Bridge tenders confirm the span is clear by looking. Glare, darkness, rain, blind spots and a cyclist stopped between the gates make that hard to get right every single time, and the consequences of a miss are severe.
Florida is now adding pedestrian and bicycle detection to its movable bridges. In the systems FDOT describes, lidar detects people between the gates before a bridge lifts and shows that information to the tender, who still confirms the bridge is clear.
That is exactly the job 3D LiDAR does well: measure who and what is on the span, in 3D, regardless of lighting, and hand the operator a clear answer.
Six ways 3D LiDAR protects bridges and dams
One perception platform for the span, the approaches, the machinery and the perimeter.
Know the span is clear before it lifts
Detect and track pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles on the span and between the gates, so the operator has a real-time, 3D answer before every opening.
Every vehicle, tracked to the gate
Follow cars and trucks across the approaches and the deck with position, speed and direction, including a vehicle that stops where it should not.
Same answer at 3 a.m. as at noon
LiDAR provides its own illumination, so detection does not depend on daylight, floodlights or a clear camera view over the water.
Fewer false alarms, faster calls
Perception software classifies people and vehicles, so operators are alerted only to genuine safety concerns.
Protect the perimeter around the water
Draw 3D zones around fence lines, spillways, intake structures and access roads, and get real-time alerts when a person or vehicle enters.
Guard what makes the bridge move
Monitor tender houses, machinery rooms and electrical equipment against unauthorized access, vandalism and metal theft.
Detect. Track. Classify. Alert.
Quanergy 3D LiDAR measures millions of 3D points per second. QORTEX DTC perception software detects, tracks and classifies every object, then sends alerts your existing security stack can act on.
- 1
Detect
360° 3D LiDAR covers wide areas with minimal blind spots, in any light or weather, including total darkness.
- 2
Track
QORTEX DTC follows every object with centimeter-level position, speed and direction, tracking up to 1,000 objects at once.
- 3
Classify
People and vehicles are classified by size and movement. Anything else is reported as an unclassified object, so alarms can be set on people and vehicles only.
- 4
Alert
Configurable 3D zones trigger real-time alerts and PTZ slew-to-cue, sent to your VMS and security operations center.
Fits the security stack you already run
Q-TRACK integrates with leading video management and security management platforms, so you upgrade detection without replacing your control room.
- Advancis
- Bosch/IQSIGHT BVMS
- exacqVision
- Genetec Security Center
- Hirsch Velocity
- IntelliCene / Symphia Control
- Milestone XProtect
- Motorola Avigilon Unity
- Network Optix
- Salient CompleteView
- Teledyne FLIR
Q-TRACK supports many more VMS and security platforms not listed here; confirm the integration for your platform and version during the assessment.
Florida Drawbridges, Inc. equips movable bridges with Quanergy 3D LiDAR
Florida Drawbridges, Inc. (FDI) operates and maintains movable bridges across seven states. Through a seven-figure contract, FDI is integrating Quanergy 3D LiDAR into its bridge monitoring systems to enhance safety, reduce accidents and streamline operations. More than 10 FDI-monitored bridges are already equipped, with more installations planned.
- Real-time 3D detection of vehicles and pedestrians on or near the bridge
- Continuous 360° awareness for bridge operators
- Perception software that minimizes false alarms
“The Q-TRACK LR sensors and QORTEX perception software provided flawless coverage.”Daniel Porter, President, Florida Drawbridges, Inc.
Bridge and dam security with 3D LiDAR: common questions
Why do movable bridges need pedestrian detection?
Before a movable bridge opens, the operator must be certain no one is on the span. Visual checks can miss a pedestrian or cyclist in darkness, glare, rain or a blind spot. 3D LiDAR detects and tracks people and vehicles on and near the bridge in real time and alerts the operator before the bridge moves.
How does 3D LiDAR detect people on a bridge?
Q-TRACK LR sensors measure the bridge environment in three dimensions. QORTEX perception software detects, tracks and classifies each object as a person or vehicle by its size and movement, and reports its exact position, including whether it is between the gates.
Does it work at night and in bad weather?
Yes. LiDAR provides its own illumination, so detection does not depend on daylight or floodlights, and it keeps working at night and in conditions where a camera view of the span is poor.
Can it reduce false alarms from spray or moving water?
Yes. The perception software classifies objects by 3D size and movement, so operators are alerted only to genuine safety concerns rather than to environmental motion.
Who uses Quanergy LiDAR on bridges today?
Florida Drawbridges, Inc., which operates and maintains movable bridges across seven states, has equipped more than 10 of the bridges it monitors with Quanergy Q-TRACK LR sensors and QORTEX perception software, with more installations planned.
Can the same system protect dams?
Yes. The same platform creates 3D detection zones around dam perimeters, spillways, intake structures and access roads, and sends real-time alerts to your security operations center and VMS.
Does it integrate with existing bridge and security systems?
Q-TRACK integrates with leading video management and security platforms and is designed to work alongside existing systems. FDI's deployment integrates with FDI's existing bridge monitoring solutions.
Make every bridge opening a safe one
Tell us about your movable bridges, approaches or dam sites. Our team will map where 3D LiDAR closes blind spots and gives your operators a clear answer.