An automated barrier system is set to be installed to allow traffic to be diverted onto the Forth Road Bridge more quickly, should the Queensferry Crossing need to be closed for any reason.

Currently, if the Queensferry Crossing has to be closed, M90 traffic is diverted via Kincardine Bridge on the A985.

Trials to manually erect the traffic management required for a diversion via the Forth Road Bridge have taken up to six hours, so Kincardine Bridge must still be used for any shorter-term closures.

Dunfermline Press: Northbound_ Normal barrier position (left); alternative barrier position (right).Northbound_ Normal barrier position (left); alternative barrier position (right). (Image: BEAR Scotland)

The new automated barriers are expected to dramatically reduce the time it takes to implement a diversion via the Forth Road Bridge, removing the need for most of the manual work.

Manufactured by SPIE in The Netherlands, they will be the first of their kind to be used in the UK.

Dunfermline Press: Southbound: Normal barrier position (left); alternative barrier position (right).Southbound: Normal barrier position (left); alternative barrier position (right). (Image: BEAR Scotland)

The four-month construction programme is scheduled to get underway from Monday, June 19.

The project involves reconstruction of the central reserve and verges where the emergency links to the Forth Road Bridge connect to the M90 on both sides of the Queensferry Crossing.

This will provide a new concrete foundation for the barrier system and a new running surface for vehicles, followed by the installation of the barrier system itself. 

Works on the verge will be completed during the day with a hard shoulder closure. Works in the central reserve will take place at night to minimise disruption.

During the daytime there will be two lanes running in each direction at all times. 

Dunfermline Press: Lane closures will be in place on both sides of the bridge to allow for the installation of the barriers.Lane closures will be in place on both sides of the bridge to allow for the installation of the barriers. (Image: Newsquest)

For the safety of workers and road users, the following lane and hard shoulder closures will be in place from 19 June:

The hard shoulders on both carriageways of the M90 will be closed 24 hours a day from June 19 until August 3, between Ferrytoll Junction and the Queensferry Crossing north of the bridge, and between Queensferry Junction and Scotstoun Junction south of the bridge.

Lane three of the M90 southbound carriageway between Queensferry Junction and Scotstoun Junction will be closed 24 hours a day from August 3 until September 15.

Lane two on both carriageways of the M90 north of the bridge between Ferrytoll Junction and the Queensferry Crossing will be closed between 8pm and 6am each night from August 4 until September 15.

Chris Tracey, BEAR Scotland South East Unit Bridge Manager, said: “This new automated barrier scheme will improve the resilience of the trunk road network and minimise disruption. Work requiring lane restrictions will be carried out overnight wherever possible. The project is intended to be completed before next winter.”

Once the barriers are in place a trial run diverting traffic over the Forth Road Bridge will be undertaken to ensure they are operating correctly.