Demand for the Queensferry Crossing has been ‘unprecedented’ since it came into operation in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The new bridge became fully open to traffic just before 3am, when Police Scotland redirected the first drivers from the Forth Road Bridge. Early indications are that traffic will be just as heavy today so drivers are being urged to allow adequate time for their journeys.
As predicted, given the novelty of the bridge, traffic was exceptionally busy with many people looking to experience it for the first time. Peak traffic began earlier than usual yesterday from around 6am and continued throughout the day, with drivers experiencing lengthy delays..
Economy Secretary Keith Brown said: “With the opening of the Queensferry Crossing, we are seeing the culmination of the biggest infrastructure project that Scotland has seen for a generation.
“The Scottish people have been so engaged with it at every step of its development. It is a fantastic structure and the weather this morning proved a perfect backdrop for all those who wanted to be a part of this historic day. This is leading to large volumes of traffic on the approaches which is causing some delays.
“People are very excited about this opportunity and we appreciate the patience that they are showing when waiting to cross. We would ask drivers wishing to use the new Crossing to leave plenty of time for their journeys and to check the Traffic Scotland Twitter feed and website for the latest information on journey times before they set-off.”
Speaking yesterday afternoon, Traffic Scotland Operator Manager Stein Connelly said: “It has been a busy day at The National Traffic Control Centre with the opening of the new crossing and drivers experiencing the road layout for the first time.
“The bridge itself is free flowing but there are delays on the approach roads – mainly down to the volume of traffic looking to cross the new bridge. We expect this to continue into the evening and would strongly urge people to check the latest travel situation before they set off on their journey and to leave plenty of extra time.
“We are looking forward to a really busy time with the celebratory events in the next few days. We are encouraging people to really think about their travel plans and to avoid the area if they can at the weekend and at the beginning of next week. Traffic will switch back onto the Forth Road Bridge on Friday for the these opening events and road users should check The Forth Bridges website for all of the details.”
All road traffic will use the Queensferry Crossing again today with the Forth Road Bridge open to cyclists and pedestrians only.
All traffic will use the Forth Bridge from tomorrow (Friday 1st September) until Wednesday 6 September to allow for the Queensferry Crossing opening celebrations. The new Queensferry Crossing will re-open to all traffic on 7 Septembe, and from this date the Forth Road Bridge will remain open to cyclists and pedestrians only, while roadworks to the north are completed.
Delays are already being reported on the approaches to the Queensferry Crossing this morning, and motorists are advised to allow plenty of time for their journeys.
