THE Queensferry Crossing has re-opened after adverse weather caused an early morning (Friday) closure.

Traffic Scotland announced at 5.55am that falling ice and snow resulted in the bridge closing to traffic in both directions, causing lengthy delays to commuters.

Chris Tracey, BEAR Scotland’s South East Unit Bridges Manager, had said: “The safety of bridge users comes first and therefore we’ve made the decision to temporarily close the Queensferry Crossing due to ongoing adverse weather conditions.

“We are constantly monitoring the structure in real time using a bespoke system of weather sensors on the towers and deck of the Queensferry Crossing.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused to road users by this closure and will reopen the bridge when safe to do so.”

However, at 9.05am, the crossing was able to re-open.

Chris Tracey, BEAR Scotland’s South East Unit Bridges Manager, said: “The safety of bridge users comes first and we therefore made the decision to temporarily close the Queensferry Crossing when we identified a risk of falling ice.

“We constantly monitor conditions on the Queensferry Crossing in real time using a bespoke system of weather sensors on the towers and deck. At 04:30 this system reported conditions conducive for ice formation. Patrol staff observed ice falling from the bridge towers shortly after this and the bridge was closed at 04:45.

“The risk of falling ice has now passed and it is safe to reopen the bridge. We apologise for any inconvenience caused to road users by this closure.”

All traffic had been diverted via Kincardine Bridge and Clackmannanshire Bridge during the closure.

Commenting, MSP Murdo Fraser, who represents the Mid Scotland and Fife region, said: "Yet again lack of foresight by the Scottish Government has led to the Queensferry Crossing being closed due to ice, resulting in utter chaos for almost half of Scotland.

"I understand ice sensors were fitted on the bridge but they don't solve the problem. The Scottish Government should have looked at the bigger picture and carried out what they have done in other counties.

"They should have looked at other measures to stop this happening, such as fitting heated cables to the bridge.

"I have said before that all this should have been done before the Queensferry Crossing opened to the public. Now we have this shambolic situation where bridge operators are having to close it almost every time it is icy, leading to motorists and lorries having to take lengthy detour routes - it is not good enough and needs addressed immediately."

Fife Council gritters were out in the early hours of yesterday morning to ensure road surfaces were safe.

All primary routes were treated with 15g presalt at 4.30pm and completed by 9.30pm. 

That followed all primary routes being treated with 20g presalt between 2.30am and 5.30am earlier in the day.

Due to snow, gritting is on-going throughout Fife and conditions are being monitored.

Last night's weather has also caused a primary school and nursery to close.

Fife Council has confirmed this morning that Park Road Nursery in Rosyth has closed for "health and safety" reasons.

Park Road Primary School was also shut, but the council has since said it has re-opened.