Forth Road Bridge to take buses again

The Forth Road Bridge will partially reopen to buses today.

The 53-year-old structure has been closed since the opening of the Queensferry Crossing last month as preparations were made to turn it into a public transport corridor.

The work is now nearing completion and scheduled buses will be able to use it from today.

A contraflow will be in place for the first few weeks. Other buses, taxis and motorcycles will follow in the coming weeks.

The current 40mph speed limit on the Queensferry Crossing is expected to rise to 50mph soon, with motorway regulations coming into force later in the year.

Traffic Scotland, Amey and Transport Scotland say they are continuing to monitor the performance of the new bridge, roads and junctions.

Although tourist traffic has now dropped off, the arrangements are being kept under review.

Stagecoach East Scotland managing director Paul Thomas said the phased reopening of the Forth Road Bridge would mean services X51, X55 and 747 could now serve bus stops at the south of the bridge.