The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Tory councillor claims he knew ‘months ago’ that bridge was not ready to open
Roads: Transport Scotland claims ministers were not informed about need for partial closure until late November
A Fife councillor has claimed he was “better informed” than the transport minister over the repairs needed on the Queensferry Crossing.
Dave Dempsey, leader of the Conservatives on Fife Council, said members of the public and local councillors knew “months ago” things were not right with the £1.35 billion bridge and questions were raised in parliament.
He said he was surprised to hear Humza Yousaf say he was not aware of the “latest mishap” until a few days before the announcement was made that the flagship bridge would have to partially close.
Mr Dempsey said he had given the Scottish Government the benefit of the doubt when, despite rumours the bridge was not ready, the opening date was announced.
He said he now wonders if it boiled down to an SNP “obsession” with announcements on significant dates – in this case the anniversary of the opening of the Forth Road Bridge.
“Perhaps we’d be better off with a minister who opened things when they were fit for purpose instead,” he said.
The Inverkeithing and Dalgety Bay councillor said a constituent contacted him some time ago to say a bridge worker had said it would not be finished by the official opening date.
“I passed that on to my colleagues at Holyrood, who raised questions in Parliament,” he said.
“After the opening, we were given a timetable for clearing up the site and, in particular, fixing the mess that is the B981 into North Queensferry.
“So far, every date on that timetable has been missed.”
The bridge was partially closed, with traffic returned to the Forth Road Bridge, while “snagging” work necessitated the lifting of the surface around the expansion joints.
A spokesman for Transport Scotland said the issue was identified in late August but expert advice indicated the opening did not need to be delayed.
In the interim the contractor worked with suppliers to identify an appropriate solution.
Monitoring of the bridge, once open to traffic, showed it was clear the work had to be carried out before the speed limit could rise to 70mph.
“Ministers were informed about the issue and the works required to address it on November 21,” said the spokesman.
“As a favourable weather window is required to commence the operation a decision was taken to go ahead with the works on November 27 on the basis of weather forecasts.
“Once this decision was taken an announcement was made to inform the public.”
leclark@thecourier.co.uk