The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Outrage at fresh work on Forth crossing
New bridge will be partially closed for five days to address ‘snagging’ issues
Commuters face more motoring misery as the new Queensferry Crossing partially closes for five days to complete “snagging” work.
Only three months after its opening, it has been revealed the surface around the £1.35 billion bridge’s expansion joints will have to be lifted.
Southbound traffic will be moved back to the Forth Road Bridge while work is completed, after which the speed limit will finally be raised to 70mph.
This had been scheduled for the “autumn” but it will be the end of the year at the earliest.
Transport Minister Humza Yousaf said snagging issues were normal with any project of this scale and will not cost the taxpayer extra.
Mid-Scotland and Fife Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser said: “It may be panto season but this is a farce beyond theatre.”
Liberal Democrat MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton claimed: “Everyone knows that completion was rushed to avoid financial penalties and to allow the SNP to boast of a major capital project they say they have completed on time.
“The reality is this bridge still is not finished.”
Three months after its glittering opening, the £1.35 billion Queensferry Crossing is to partially close so snagging work can be fixed.
Only northbound traffic will be able to use the bridge during the five-day programme of works, which are due to start at 10pm on Thursday and end at 6am on Wednesday December 6 depending on the weather.
Those heading south will be diverted to the Forth Road Bridge, currently only open to public transport, and a 40mph limit will be imposed on both.
However, the work will finally lead to the crossing’s speed limit on the bridge being raised to 70mph – albeit only by the end of December, later than the “autumn” date promised.
“Snagging work” was identified by contractors monitoring the bridge since its opening. Now work needed before the speed limit is raised will see the surface around the bridge expansion joints lifted.
“It may be panto season but this is a farce beyond theatre,” said Conservative Mid Scotland Fife MSP Murdo Fraser, calling on Transport Minister Humza Yousaf to ensure this setback was the last.
“Commuters want some clarity around what is actually going on, especially after reports surfaced surrounding the safety of the wind-shear protection.”
Meanwhile, Lib Dem MSP Alex ColeHamilton said: “Everyone knows the completion was rushed to avoid financial penalties and to allow the SNP to boast of a major capital project they say they have completed on time.”
He said the reality was journey times were longer than even the worst days of delays on the Forth Road Bridge.
However, Mr Yousaf said successfully completing the snagging work will allow the Crossing to operate at a 70mph speed limit by the end of December.
“Snagging issues are normal with any major infrastructure project on this scale and complexity,” he said.
“The benefit of the gradual move to motorway status for the Queensferry Crossing is that it allows these essential works to happen with the least amount of disruption possible.”
He added that the use of the Forth Road Bridge would also provide Amey with the chance to test the emergency crossover points should they be needed in future.
A Transport Scotland spokesman said: “We are hopeful these interim arrangements will lead to minimal disruption and ultimately help deliver a 70mph speed limit before the end of the year, which everyone would surely welcome.
“The costs of the work will be met by the contractor.”