Queensferry Crossing reaches 70mph milestone

The Queensferry Crossing finally has a speed limit of 70mph but Scotland’s transport minister has warned it may still suffer congestion at peak times.

Transport Scotland said all work required to ensure that the new road bridge across the Forth can operate a 70mph speed limit has been completed.

It added that the move marks a key milestone in the delivery of the benefits from the £1.35bn investment in improving the reliability of cross-Forth travel.

Transport minister Humza Yousaf said: ‘It is pleasing to be able to deliver on our commitment to have a 70mph speed limit on the Queensferry Crossing before the end of December.

‘Since the initial study in 2007, the objective of this project has been to provide a replacement for the Forth Road Bridge. As such the Queensferry Crossing does not increase capacity over the Forth and we still expect congestion at peak times. We hope the move to a 70mph speed limit will assist the scheme in operating as it was designed and has a positive impact on overall journey times.

‘The new bridge provides a more resilient crossing for business and communities as shown during Storm Caroline, when the bridge remained open to HGVs and buses, where the Forth Road Bridge would have had restrictions in place. This ensured we avoided any lengthy delays and diversions across the Forth and associated impacts on the surrounding local roads.’

A consultation is currently underway regarding the designation of the Queensferry Crossing and its connecting roads as a motorway. Once this process is complete in the New Year, motorway regulations will come in to force.

The Intelligent Transport System is also ‘on schedule’ to be operational in the new year across the entire scheme, Transport Scotland said.