The final task… mapping the bridge for sat nav
variable speed limits are already in use to minimise congestion when the road is busiest, or during disruption.
This is being supplemented by traffic lights on slip roads at either end of the bridge automatically adjusting their sequences to maintain the best traffic flow, including holding back vehicles when the bridge is congested. Traffic volumes are detected by sensors in road surfaces.
A spokeswoman for the Scottish Government’s Transport Scotland agency, said: “This will form part of the overall strategy to optimise traffic flows at peak times in conjunction with the variable mandatory speed limits along the entire 13.7 mile corridor.” Ordnance Survey staff have mapped the Queensferry Crossing to an incredible 2cm accuracy – but have only set foot on the bridge once.
A team from the UK’S mapping agency have tracked every change to the new structure and its surrounding road layout for the last four years.
They have provided a detailed picture of the huge project site – which stretches from the M9 to Dunfermline.
The information is used in electronic format by organisations such as emergency services, local authorities and developers, along with satnav and internet firms like Google Maps.
The surveyors use portable hi-tech equipment to produce maps which are the envy of the world for their accuracy