Queensferry Crossing traffic to be diverted to Forth Road Bridge for barrier system practice
Additional works to be carried out during closure
Queensferry Crossing traffic is set to be diverted to the Forth Road Bridge for barrier system practice this weekend.
Traffic on the M90 will be diverted over the Forth Road Bridge between 12.01am and 8am on the morning of Sunday, November 1, during a practice deployment of the automated barrier system that is used to divert motorway traffic if the Queensferry Crossing needs to close.
This practice drill will ensure the system is fully operational and ready for any future deployments.
Traffic on both sides of the bridge will be stopped while the barriers are moved into position just after midnight, and again when the Queensferry Crossing is reopened at the end of the trial deployment. Journey times may be a few minutes longer than usual while traffic is running over the Forth Road Bridge.
David Bishop, BEAR Scotland’s south east unit bridges manager, said: “The automated barrier system on the M90 significantly reduces the time it takes to open a diversion via the Forth Road Bridge, should the Queensferry Crossing need to close for any reason.
“This practice deployment will allow us to test the system and identify and address any issues so that it is ready to be used if required this winter.
“It is important that road users comply with red X signs above the carriageway when these appear, as the diversion route cannot be opened until traffic on the motorway has stopped.
“If there are red X signs above all lanes, you must come to a stop.”
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The overnight diversion will also be used to complete additional works on the Queensferry Crossing, minimising the need for future closures.
This includes replacement of overhead gantry sign fixing brackets at central and south towers, and the inspections of the bridge, including wind louvres, parapets, carriageway surfacing and overhead gantries.
As well as the removal of old architectural lighting from north and central towers, and maintenance of low-level bollard lighting.
Road users using the Queensferry Crossing or Forth Road Bridge during these works are encouraged to plan ahead by checking the Traffic Scotland website for up-to-date travel information and allowing extra time for their journey.