Edinburgh drivers warned of further closures on M90 near Queensferry after motorists faced hour-long delays

Drivers have been told to expect long delays at the weekend, as the M90 shuts for roadworks near Kirkliston.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The first phase of works was completed last weekend, and despite traffic complaints from drivers, the second stage will commence on Friday (October 21). The northbound M90 will be fully closed between M9 Junction 1A and M90 Junction 1 from 8.30pm on Friday, October 21 until 6am on Monday, October 24.

Motorists have been warned to expect long delays if travelling north on the M90 from Edinburgh or West Lothian during the closure.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The southbound stretch of the M90 was shut last weekend, which caused delays of over an hour for some drivers. Many locals took to social media to complain about the closure, with one individual describing it as an “utter shambles”, while another said that there had been “no thought given to this whatsoever.” However, BEAR Scotland, who are carrying out the refurbishment works, said the nature of the works required the M90 to be fully closed southbound.

Chris Tracey, BEAR Scotland’s South East Unit Bridges Manager, said: “We are pleased that refurbishment works on the southbound side of the bridge were completed as planned and we thank motorists for their understanding during the significant delays experienced.

Read More
Averil Shepley: Family of missing woman notified after body found on Cramond isl...

“We had delayed fully refurbishing this bridge for as long as possible to avoid the disruption it would cause to road users, but due to repeated surface failures we had to act now before the 2022/23 winter season. On several occasions during previous winters the road has had to be closed to carry out emergency repairs – in some instances following vehicle tyres being damaged due to the failures.

“The work we’re now doing means we won’t have to return to re-waterproof this bridge for many years after we complete the northbound side next weekend.

Drivers have been warned to plan ahead if they are travelling north on the M90 from Edinburgh or West Lothian this weekend.Drivers have been warned to plan ahead if they are travelling north on the M90 from Edinburgh or West Lothian this weekend.
Drivers have been warned to plan ahead if they are travelling north on the M90 from Edinburgh or West Lothian this weekend.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We always avoid closing roads wherever it is safe and practical to do so, however the specific location of this bridge and the extent of work involved is such that full carriageway closures were unavoidable. There is no crossover point on this part of the M90 spur that would allow a contraflow and there is no room to fit a crossover in. There is also no hard shoulder at this location that would have permitted one lane of traffic to pass.

“The multiple stages of work involved, including the time required for concrete repairs to cure before new waterproofing is installed, also meant that the job could not be completed using nightshifts only, and two full weekends working were required. The works have however been scheduled to avoid the working week and key events taking place in the surrounding area such as the autumn rugby internationals at Murrayfield.

“Ahead of the upcoming second phase, we thank road users again for their patience and understanding and recommend that they plan ahead and allow plenty of extra travel time for their journeys this weekend.

“Whilst every effort will be made to ensure that the M90 is fully open to traffic on the Monday morning, the extent of concrete repairs required will not be known until the existing surfacing is removed. These works are also highly weather dependent and so could be postponed and rearranged at short notice depending on weather forecasts.”

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.