THE Queensferry Crossing has improved reliability, transport bosses said as figures revealed it has remained open on 20 occasions when the Forth Road Bridge would have been forced to close.
The new bridge was fitted with wind barriers to allow traffic to continue to cross in bad weather after persistent closures on its predecessor affecting high-sided vehicles.
Transport Scotland said the bridge has withstood high winds on 20 occasions over the 16 months since it opened, while journey times have also settled on the new route.
Transport Secretary Michael Matheson said: “The wind shielding on the Queensferry Crossing is doing exactly what it was intended to do. There have now been 20 occasions since the new bridge opened when the Forth Road Bridge would have had to close to high-sided vehicles. This improved reliability is delivering benefits for the economy, businesses and commuters. This latest set of figures is continued evidence of the improved reliability of the new bridge for those using this vitally important strategic road link across the Forth.
“Now we are seeing consistent journey times in both directions over the Forth, it takes seven to eight minutes in normal traffic conditions and around 15 minutes at peak times.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel