Queen to open Queensferry Crossing bridge
Celebrations on both sides of the Firth of Forth on 4 September
The Queen is to open officially the Queensferry Crossing, the third of three bridges spanning the Firth of Forth built over three centuries, on 4 September.
She will perform the opening ceremony in South Queensferry, 53 years to the day she opened the Forth Road Bridge. She will be accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh as she was in 1964.
The £1.35bn bridge will open to traffic on 30 August, but will close on 2 and 3 September to allow 50,000 members of the public walk across the bridge as part of the Queensferry Crossing Experience.
Around 250,000 applied for a ballot to take part in the event.
The ceremony will include a welcome address by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, a blessing by the Right Rev Dr Derek Browning, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, a specially-commissioned poem read by Scotland’s Makar, Jackie Kay, and a host of activities, with live musical performance showcasing Scotland’s musicians.
The 1.7 mile structure is the world’s longest three-tower, cable-stayed bridge and cost £1.35 billion, £245 million under the original budget.
Ms Sturgeon said the celebratory event will recognise the thousands of people involved in the construction of the new bridge.
“The Queensferry Crossing is a symbol of a confident, forward-looking Scotland and – as well as providing a vital transport connection for many years to come – it is a truly iconic structure and a feat of modern engineering,” Ms Sturgeon said.
“The Queensferry Crossing Experience attracted huge interest from across Scotland and beyond, demonstrating the widespread excitement and pride in the bridge.”
Malcolm Roughead, the chief executive of Visitscotland, described the bridge’s opening as “a moment in history”.
“At this unique moment, the country will become the world’s first destination to have three bridges spanning three centuries in one stunning location.
“It is a time to not only celebrate Scotland as a nation of pioneering innovation, design and engineering, but also give thanks all those who have worked tirelessly to create this unique new structure,” he added.
The construction of the Queensferry Crossing involved more than 15,000 people.
It has 23,000 mile of cables – almost enough to wrap around the earth’s equator.
It stands at 207 metres above high tide – 50 metres taller than the Forth Road Bridge and 97 metres taller than the rail bridge.
sross@scotsman.com