New 70mph speed limit for crossing

MOTORISTS using the Queensferry Crossing are now able to drive at 70mph, after a series of works have been completed.

The £1.35 billion bridge had its limit increased at 6am today, with hopes it will improve journey times over the Firth of Forth.

Full motorway status is expected to be given to the new bridge and its connecting roads in the new year.

Yesterday Transport Minister Humza Yousaf said: “All of the work that was required in order to make this move has been successfully completed and the bridge will have a speed limit of 70 mph from tomorrow.

“Since the initial study in 2007 the objective of this project has been to provide a replacement for the Forth Road Bridge.

“As such, the Queensferry Crossing does not increase capacity over the Forth and we still expect congestion at peak times.

“We hope the move to a 70 mph speed limit will assist the scheme in operating as it was designed and has a positive impact on overall journey times.

“In the new year motorway regulations and the public transport corridor will come into force, as well the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) becoming fully operational.

“As the entire £1.35bn scheme comes online the original aims of encouraging public transport use, increasing safety and smoothing traffic will begin to be realised.”

The announcement comes after the southbound carriageway had to be shut for work on “snagging” issues, before the limit could be increased.

Motorists used the Forth Road Bridge for a number of days when the closures were put in place on November 30.

The lane restrictions were lifted early due to Storm Carolina safety concerns and the remainder of works were carried out during the night.

A guide is to be published in the new year about the ITS, road layout and what vehicles can and cannot use the two crossings once the motorway regulations come into force.

While the l ayout is described as “self-explanatory”, the guide is intended to give the “full variety” of information needed to plan journeys over the firth.

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The crossing