Bridge traffic could speed up

Transport bosses are considering fast-tracking a speed limit increase on the Queensferry Crossing to deal with congestion.

Transport minister Humza Yousaf faced questions at Holyrood on the traffic jams which have affected both sides of the new £1.35billion bridge across the Forth since it opened.

Liberal Democrat Alex Cole-Hamilton called for the Forth Road Bridge to be temporarily reopened to help cope with the extra traffic.

Mr Yousaf said there were “difficulties” with reopening the old road bridge to motorists and said steps were being taken to combat congestion on the new crossing, which includes tourist

“Consideration is also being given to raising the speed limit”

traffic.

He said: “The first days of operation of the Queensferry Crossing have resulted in increased congestion including outside of peak hours, most noticeably last Sunday.

“While this is typical of initial traffic patterns seen on newly opened major bridges the following steps are being taken to reduce this congestion.”

He said signs had been erected at either end of the new crossing to encourage drivers to use the full length of the sliproad to merge into traffic in a bid to cut delays.

He added: “Consideration is also being given to raising the speed limit from 40mph to 50mph as soon as the central reserve barrier installion has been completed and it is safe to do so.”

The 40mph limit on the new bridge and approaches was expected to be in place for up to six weeks while work takes place to change the Forth Road Bridge into a public transport corridor, after which the new bridge speed limit would increase to 70mph.

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