THE Queensferry Crossing will re-open permanently to traffic tomorrow.
The new £1.35 billion bridge has been closed since last week to allow opening events to take place.
50,000 people walked across the new structure at the weekend, before The Queen cut the ribbon and officially declared it open at a ceremony on Monday.
Schoolchildren from the local area then had the chance to walk across the bridge today, followed by final preparations to begin the crossing’s working life.
The bridge will reopen to traffic in time for tomorrow morning’s rush hour, with motorists warned to expect queues.
The sheer volume of traffic using the bridge when it was briefly open to the public last week caused delays of up to two hours at times.
Travellers are braced for similar disruption as the bridge is eased into use.
?Thursday before AM peak⌚
ALL traffic using the @forthroadbridge will be diverted to use the Queensferry Crossing ?@edintravel @ScotRail
— Traffic Scotland (@trafficscotland) September 6, 2017
Traffic Scotland Operator Manager, Stein Connelly said: “Demand for using the Queensferry Crossing when it first opened last week was very high. People were understandably coming to see the new bridge and this did lead to congestion.
“With the crossing reopening tomorrow we would urge road users to plan their journeys. Traffic is likely to be very heavy and long delays are possible. If you are commuting, check Traffic Scotland and @trafficscotland on Twitter for the latest information before you leave and if you are coming to the area to visit the bridge, we would ask that you do so when traffic is lighter.
“We have seen tremendous levels of interest in the crossing and we really appreciate people’s patience as the new arrangements bed-in.”
A speed restriction of 40 mph will be in place on the approach to the bridge and on the Queensferry Crossing itself.
The Forth Road Bridge will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists as work continues to make the final connections to the new network.
Drivers are being urged to approach with care to familiarise themselves with the road layout.
https://www.sundaypost.com/news/scottish-news/queensferry-crossing-sightseers-contribute-to-delays-as-1-35bn-bridge-opens/
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