Call to ease tailbacks misery on bridge
● Queensferry Crossing snagging delays likely to last for another month
Nightly lane closures which have plagued commuters on the Queensferry Crossing for months should not start until traffic has cleared, a motoring group has urged.
Experts called for more flexibility as the £1.35 billion bridge turns a year old today, with at least another month of roadworks expected.
Drivers crossing between Edinburgh and Fife have routinely been caught up in delays during overnight restrictions to complete unfinished and snagging work.
However, The Scotsman understands there has been less flexibility over the lane closures than on other main roads and on the Forth Road Bridge in the past.
Drivers have reported preparations for the closures regularly starting at 7pm, with lanes often shut from 8pm.
0 The Queensferry Crossing marks its first anniversary today, with snagging work still going on
This has led to “considerable” tailbacks and doubled journey times.
The Scottish Government’s Transport Scotland agency
said the work would have a “minimal impact” on traffic.
There have been claims the Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors (FCBC) group wants
to ensure the work is finished by the end of next month, as ministers have pledged.
One source said: “I am pretty sure there will be times they go for it just because all the lads and equipment are ready.”
IAM Roadsmart said the start of work should be put back when traffic was heavy.
Scotland-based policy and research director Neil Greig said: “Congestion on the crossing causes delays, frustration and unnecessary pollution as well as continuing to undermine the image of the project as a whole.
“Drivers are Transport Scotland’s customers and minimising their inconvenience must come before the short- term needs of contractors. Maximum flexibility should be the key.”
A Transport Scotland spokesman said: “The installation of traffic management is treated consistently across the trunk road network, taking into account traffic volumes and incidents.
“The Queensferry Crossing contractor has staff available to install traffic management from 8pm each evening, but such measures are only adopted once traffic is free flowing and congestion has eased.
“Traffic can start to build at other times, and if that occurs it is not possible to safely remove traffic management again without causing addi-