Around 50,000 visitors will have a “once in a lifetime experience” as they walk across the new 1.7-mile Queensferry Crossing this weekend.
Ahead of Monday’s official opening by Her Majesty The Queen, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Transport Minister Humza Yousaf will today join members of the public on the crossing, to admire the complexity and scale of the structure, learn about its construction and the benefits it will deliver while taking in the fantastic views.
The Queensferry Crossing Experience ballot attracted almost 250,000 entries, with 50,000 individuals given the one-off chance to cross the bridge on foot. Once the new bridge reopens on 7 September, pedestrians will not be able to use the crossing, instead using the Forth Road Bridge
Transport Scotland and VisitScotland have worked with the South and North Queensferry communities to create a carnival atmosphere– with street decorations in both towns and a flotilla on the Forth, in the run up to and during the Royal visit.
The First Minister said: “Excitement has been building steadily in recent weeks as we have watched this hugely ambitious project near completion. It’s only right that the public get the chance of an up close and personal look at this amazing structure so they can see the stunning engineering and views for themselves.
“Walking across the new Queensferry Crossing will be a once in a lifetime experience, before it is officially opened to traffic and pedestrian access continues on the Forth Road Bridge. I look forward to joining some of the 50,000 people lucky enough to participate in this unique opportunity.”
Humza Yousaf said: “It’s important to recognise the efforts of those workers who have delivered this project in challenging conditions, £245 million under budget. That is a staggering achievement and we want to build on the momentum that these celebrations will create.
“There has been interest from all around the globe and events this weekend can only serve to heighten that enthusiasm further. While motorists will see immediate benefits from the bridge being open to traffic, work is underway to ensure the location is marketed as a leading destination for tourists and locals alike.”
Sara Thiam, Director of Institution of Civil Engineers Scotland, added: “The Institution of Civil Engineers in Scotland welcomes the opening of the new Queensferry Crossing as a wonderful example of civil engineering in action. Joining the other nearby bridges across the Forth, it provides us with world-leading examples of three types of bridge construction built over three different centuries.
“The new bridge will join its sister bridges as iconic examples of fine infrastructure development highlighting the latest skill and ingenuity in the industry, while acting as an inspiration for future generations of civil engineers.”
The Queensferry Crossing opened to traffic on 30 August before closing for this weekend’s celebrations. After Monday’s ceremony, Tuesday will see the bridge host up to 10,000 local school pupils and community representatives, before reopening to traffic on 7 September.
The new bridge will initially have a 40 mph speed limit and take all traffic, allowing the Forth Road Bridge to close for transition work (4-6 weeks), during which it will be open to cyclists and pedestrians only. Once work on the Forth Road Bridge is completed, public transport switches to the Forth Road Bridge and the Queensferry Crossing becomes a motorway with a 70 mph speed limit.
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