A final five day programme of work has been planned for the Queensferry Crossing to allow the maximum speed limit to be increased to the full 70mph.
Transport Scotland said having monitored the bridge since it opened to traffic, the contractors had identified snagging works which required the surfacing to be lifted around the bridge’s expansion joints. The works will address the issue and allow the speed limit to be raised giving it motorway status.
The news comes following reports of problems with three of the wind barrier panels on the bridge. Transport Scotland said the issues had been resolved. The high panels were installed on the sides of the bridge deck to try to avoid closures of the bridge due to adverse weather conditions.
“The wind barrier on the Queensferry Crossing is not being replaced. We are aware of three barrier louvres which were not fitted correctly during installation and these issues have been addressed by our contractor. Regular and routine inspections are carried out and we have no safety concerns regarding the barrier.”
The snagging works will be carried out from 10pm on 30 November and be completed by 6am on 6 December, although it said the works would be subject to the weather and any unfavourable conditions would see the work postponed.
Transport minister Humza Yousaf said snagging issues were normal with any major infrastructure project and the works were being carried out as part of the contractor’s existing contract.
“Successfully completing this snagging work will allow the Queensferry Crossing to reach its next major milestone and operate at a 70 mph speed limit by the end of December.
“The benefit of the gradual move to motorway status for the Queensferry Crossing is that it allows these essential works to happen with the least amount of disruption possible.”
During the works, southbound traffic will use the adjacent Forth Road Bridge and northbound would use the Queensferry Crossing. Yousaf said this arrangement would also give Amey, the Forth Bridges Operating Company, an opportunity for live testing on the emergency crossover points ahead of any requirement to use them in future.
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