An overnight closure of the Queensferry Crossing will take place from midnight tonight to allow for testing of a new automated barrier system.

The new barrier system is designed to allow M90 traffic to be diverted via the Forth Road Bridge more quickly if the Queensferry Crossing needs to be closed for any reason.

A trial deployment of the barriers will then be carried out tonight, to ensure they are operating correctly.

The Queensferry Crossing will be closed in both directions from midnight - previously it was due to close from 11pm - and is scheduled to reopen at 5am.

During the closure period, all M90 traffic will be diverted via the Forth Road Bridge. Road users should expect delays at the beginning and end of this period as traffic is stopped while the diversion is implemented and removed.

Further works will be undertaken in 2024 to fully automate the system and install ‘intelligent road studs’, which will light up to guide traffic onto the diversion route.

Chris Tracey, BEAR Scotland South East Unit Bridges Manager, said: “Work has progressed well on the project to install the new automated barrier system on either side of the Queensferry Crossing.

“These barriers are expected to dramatically reduce the time it takes to implement a diversion via the Forth Road Bridge, removing the need for most of the manual work to set up traffic management.”