Overnight closures ahead as Queensferry Crossing works start

Should it need to shut for any reason the ‘intelligent’ studs that are to be installed on the carriageway, with alignment work starting next week, will guide vehicles onto the Forth Road Bridge more easily. 

As part of the same project, automated barriers were installed last summer. 

The Queensferry Crossing will not be closed during these works, however, local diversions will be in place for traffic using the M90 north and south of the bridge.

This image, from barrier manufacturers SPIE, show how traffic will be diverted. (Image: SPIE)

Chris Tracey, BEAR Scotland’s South East Unit Bridges Manager, said: “These intelligent road studs are a key part of the new automated barrier system.

"In conjunction with the moveable barriers, they will provide an illuminated diversion route through the crossovers between the M90 and the A9000."

To prepare for the installation of these new road studs, three overnight road closures are required from Tuesday January 23 to Thursday January 25.

Mr Tracey continued: “It is essential that the road studs are set out accurately to provide the optimum alignment.

"These overnight road closures in January will allow us to achieve this safely.”

READ MORE: Successful test of Queensferry Crossing barriers takes place

Installation of the road studs will then be carried out over approximately three weeks beginning at the end of February, with further works later in 2024 to fully automate the barrier system.

To prepare for this work, from 10.30pm on Tuesday January 23 until 6.30am the following morning, the M90 will be closed in both directions north of the Queensferry Crossing. 

Automated diversion barriers have been installed to help divert traffic from the Queensferry Crossing to the Forth Road Bridge. Works related to this will begin on Tuesday. (Image: Newsquest)
Northbound traffic will be diverted off the M90 to Ferrytoll Junction and then immediately back on again while southbound traffic will be diverted over the Forth Road Bridge, exiting at Echline Junction then along the A904 Builyeon Road to rejoin the M90 at Junction 1A Queensferry.

From 10.30pm on Wednesday January 24 until 6.30am the following morning, the A9000 will be shut in both directions north of the Forth Road Bridge. 

Between those times, traffic will be required to travel over the Queensferry Crossing and non-motorway traffic will be advised to avoid travel during this time. If travel is required, motorists will be guided through the works area.

And from 10.30pm on Thursday January 25 until 6.30am the following morning, the M90 will be closed in both directions south of the Queensferry Crossing. 

Southbound traffic will be diverted from Junction 1A Queensferry via the A904 to Echline Junction, then via the southbound public transport link onto the A90 into Edinburgh, Maybury Road and Glasgow Road to M9 Junction 1 Newbridge.

Traffic joining the M90 northbound from the A90 will be diverted up the northbound public transport link then onto the B800 towards Echline Junction, the A904 and Queensferry Junction.

Those wishing to join the M90 northbound from the M9 eastbound will be diverted off at M9 Junction 2, onto the B8046 and then the A904 to M90 Junction 1A Queensferry.

Motorists wishing to join the M90 northbound from the M9 westbound will be diverted onto M9 Junction 3, and then back eastbound to exit at M9 Junction 2, onto the B8046 and then the A904 to M90 Junction 1A Queensferry.

And finally, the M9 Junction 1B Winchburgh eastbound on-slip will be closed, with traffic diverted from M9 Junction 3. This is to prevent numerous diversion routes during these works.

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.

This video, from the barrier manufacturers SPIE, shows the technology in action.