More lane closures expected for Queensferry Crossing 'snagging work'

Traffic flowed on the Queensferry Crossing for the first time at the end of August

Transport Scotland has warned that further lane closures can be expected on the Queensferry Crossing for "snagging work" to be carried out.

The bridge will be partially closed from 22:00 on Thursday.

The surfacing problems were caused by a workmanship error, MSPs were told in parliament on Wednesday.

MSPs questioned why the move was only announced this week, when it was known back in August that surfacing problems would need to be fixed.

Transport Scotland officials insisted the solution was only designed a couple of weeks ago.

• Bridge to partially close for resurfacing

• Everything you need to know about the Queensferry Crossing

They said they did not want to alert the public until there was clarity about a weather window in order to avoid driver confusion and consequent disruption.

Michelle Rennie, the Transport Scotland director responsible for the Queensferry Crossing, was speaking at the Scottish Parliament's rural economy and connectivity committee.

She said it had been known that some "finishing works" would be required before the bridge moves to a 70 mph speed limit.

The Queensferry Crossing will soon have a 70 mph speed limit

But she told MSPs: "Until recently we weren't aware of what the solution would be for these surfacing works and what sort of impacts that they would have on road users, or indeed what lane closures, if any, would be required."

She added: "It is a workmanship issue, the design is correct.

"The surfacing wasn't laid to the tolerances set out in the design.

"The contractor hadn't designed the solution to this until probably a couple of weeks ago.

"There are (also) minor snagging issues with the wind shield.

"Some needs a bit of finishing work, which we will look to do during these few days when we have the lane restrictions on."

'Relatively normal'

Ms Rennie also told MSPs: "We've been consistently saying that there would be finishing and snagging works required.

"The contract allows for those works up until next September at no additional cost.

"There will be additional works. Mechanical and electrical works, lifts to the towers, and that sort of thing.

"There was no need to delay opening the bridge for that sort of thing. These are relatively normal."

Conservative MSP Jamie Greene asked if there would be further closures.

Ms Rennie replied: "There will be further lane restrictions."

The carriageway resurfacing work is due to take place between Thursday evening and 06:00 on Wednesday 6 December.

Southbound traffic will be diverted across the Forth Road Bridge while the work is carried out, with a speed limit of 40 mph on both bridges.

Transport Scotland said work was necessary on the bridge expansion joints to allow it to carry traffic travelling at 70 mph.

Speaking after the committee session, Mr Greene - the Scottish Conservative transport spokesman - said motorists and commuters would be "dismayed".

"This SNP government opened the bridge with a £1.5m celebration party and used it as a symbol of their stewardship of the country.

"At no point were road users, whose daily lives are now thrown into disarray, informed that there were impending closures.

"To make matters worse, we now know that there are potentially more closures to come. Commuters just wanted a bridge that would get them to work on time."

His Labour counterpart, Neil Bibby, said: "Transport Scotland have known about these faults for months and they have chosen to keep that information from the public.

"Road users found out about carriageway closures at the last minute and officials have confirmed that there are more closures to come.

"The SNP transport minister must give a full explanation and account for his handling of the project."