The Queensferry Crossing reopens after safety concerns forced closure

The Queensferry Crossing has reopened this morning after it was forced to shut due to safety concerns.

The £1.3 billion bridge, which opened in August 2017, was initially closed by officials citing the “safety of bridge users” and “adverse weather conditions”.

All traffic was diverted via the A985 Kincardine Bridge while the closure was enforced.

Announcing the closure, Chris Tracey, BEAR Scotland’s South East Unit Bridges Manager, said: “The safety of bridge users comes first and therefore we’ve made the decision to temporarily close the Queensferry Crossing due to ongoing adverse weather conditions.

Queensferry Crossing closed during rush hour due to falling ice from the cables as snow causes chaos on Friday morning. Dec 4 2020

“We are constantly monitoring the structure in real time using a bespoke system of weather sensors on the towers and deck of the Queensferry Crossing.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused to road users by this closure and will reopen the bridge when safe to do so.”

It is not the first time the bridge has been shut by officials this year. In February, eight vehicles on the crossing were damaged by falling chunks of ice that had accumulated on its support towers.

Commenting, Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser, who represents Mid Scotland and Fife said: "Yet again a lack of foresight by the Scottish Government has led to the Queensferry Crossing being closed due to ice, resulting in utter chaos for almost half of Scotland.

Queensferry Crossing reopened later on Friday morning.

"I understand ice sensors were fitted on the bridge but they don't solve the problem. The Scottish Government should have looked at the bigger picture and carried out what they have done in other countries.

"They should have looked at other measures to stop this happening, such as fitting heated cables to the bridge.

"I have said before that all this should have been done before the Queensferry Crossing opened to the public.

“Now we have this shambolic situation where bridge operators are having to close it almost every time it is icy, leading to motorists and lorries having to take lengthy detour routes - it is not good enough and needs addressed immediately."

The bridge is the third crossing of the Forth at Queensferry, alongside the Forth Road Bridge, completed in 1964, and the Forth Bridge, a railway bridge completed in 1890.

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