MORE overnight closures are set to take place on the Queensferry Crossing as the automated barriers are serviced.
The new system was installed last year to allow traffic on the M90 to be diverted over the Forth Road Bridge more quickly, it was then upgraded earlier this year with an improved control system and ‘intelligent road studs’ that light up to guide motorists onto the diversion route.
In an overnight test in April, it was fully deployed within 19 minutes. It used to take six hours to divert traffic from the Queensferry Crossing onto an alternative route.
To allow for the barrier system to be serviced in advance of the next full trial of the diversion process, a series of overnight closures of the M90 on the approaches to the Queensferry Crossing are scheduled.
David Bishop, BEAR Scotland’s South East Unit Bridges Manager, said: “The system of automated barriers that we have installed 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 autumn we’ll be servicing the system during overnight road closures and there will be two full overnight trials of the system."
The barriers now require servicing and maintenance to ensure the system is fully operational and ready for winter.
Between 22:30 and 06:00 each night from Monday, October 21, to Saturday, October 26, the M90 will be closed in both directions north of the bridge next to Ferrytoll Junction.
The motorway will then be closed in both directions south of the bridge between Scotstoun and Queensferry Junctions between 22:30 and 06:00 each night from Monday, October 28 to Saturday, November 2.
Diversion routes will be signposted.
Finally, two full trials of the diversion system will be undertaken between midnight and 8am on Saturday 9 and Sunday, November 10, with traffic in both directions rerouted over the Forth Road Bridge.
Mr Bishop added: “It is important that road users comply with red X signs above the carriageway when these appear, as the diversion 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.”
Real-time journey information is available from the Traffic Scotland website or on X at @trafficscotland.
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