Celebrations to mark opening of the Queensferry Crossing.

Once in a lifetime opportunity will see 50,000 people trek across the bridge as there is no pedestrian access

Celebrations to mark the opening of the Queensferry Crossing continue, with 50,000 people trekking across on foot.

Drivers are being reminded the Forth Road Bridge is operating until Thursday to allow festivities to take place.

Roads in the area are expected to be very busy this weekend when the Queensferry Crossing Experience will see the mass traverse.

It will also be busy next week with the official opening on Monday by the Queen, exactly 53 years to the day when she opened the Forth Road Bridge.

As in 1964, she will be accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, who recently retired from public life.

On Tuesday another 10,000 local people and school children will be able to cross the bridge in a celebratory community day.

The chance to walk across the bridge has been described as a once in a lifetime opportunity, as the Queensferry Crossing has no pedestrian access.

Traffic Scotland’s Stein Connelly said: “With the events to celebrate the opening of the bridge we are expecting an increase in the volume of traffic around the area in the next few days.

“All changes are clearly signed and road users are being directed to the Forth Road Bridge.

“These are once in a lifetime events and we really appreciate people’s patience when they are taking place.”

He urged everyone to carefully consider their travel plans.

“If they are not attending the events we would appreciate them avoiding the area where possible as delays are expected.

“They should leave extra time for any journey and they should check all of the available sources of information for the latest travel times before they leave for their destination.”

The Traffic Scotland website and Twitter feed will have up to date information and he advised to plan ahead.

“Pedestrian and cyclist access to the Forth Road Bridge will continue across this time – although a shuttle bus will operate on September 4 when the official opening ceremony for the Queensferry Crossing is taking place.

The new bridge will reopen to traffic early on Thursday with a 40mph limit.

This will be raised to 70mph as it links up later this year to the surrounding road network permanently and the Forth Road Bridge opens as a dedicated public transport corridor.