TRAFFIC is building up after the highly anticipated Queensferry Crossing opened to vehicles this morning.
The bridge became fully open for business just before 3am when Police Scotland redirected the first drivers from the Forth Road Bridge.
Traffic has been extremely busy, with peak volumes beginning earlier than usual from around 6am and continuing throughout the day.
The bridge was earlier hit by its first breakdown when a lorry stopped at about 7am.
⚠ Journey Time info towards @FRC_Queensferry ⚠ 15:05#M90 N/B #M9 J1a – 36 mins & S/B J2 Pitreavie – 20 mins#edintravel @TheForthBridges pic.twitter.com/zGhMWprrz1
— Traffic Scotland (@trafficscotland) August 30, 2017
Economy Secretary Keith Brown has said he ‘appreciates the patience’ of travellers making their way across the bridge, and has urged people to allow extra time if they are planning to use the crossing.
He said: “People are very excited about this opportunity and we appreciate the patience that they are showing when waiting to cross.
“We would ask drivers wishing to use the new Crossing to leave plenty of time for their journeys and to check the Traffic Scotland Twitter feed and website for the latest information on journey times before they set-off.”
Traffic Scotland Operator Manager Stein Connelly said the delays will continue into the evening.
He said: “The bridge itself is free flowing but there are delays on the approach roads – mainly down to the volume of traffic looking to cross the new bridge.
We expect this to continue into the evening and would strongly urge people to check the latest travel situation before they set off on their journey and to leave plenty of extra time.
“We are encouraging people to really think about their travel plans and to avoid the area if they can at the weekend and at the beginning of next week. Traffic will switch back onto the Forth Road Bridge on Friday for the these opening events and road users should check The Forth Bridges website for all of the details.”
⚠ High interest @FRC_Queensferry ⚠#ExpectDelays on all approaches❗
If visiting the bridge please #PlanAhead as it's pm peak?#TakeCare P pic.twitter.com/BZg1vtWVRK
— Traffic Scotland (@trafficscotland) August 30, 2017
The Queensferry Crossing has an initial 40mph limit but will become a 70mph motorway in due course.
The new bridge will serve about 24 million vehicles each year, easing the strain on the Forth Road Bridge, which will be used for buses, taxis and bikes.
In the early hours of Friday, the new bridge will be closed again to prepare for a public walk on the crossing and a royal visit from the Queen on Monday.
A total of 50,000 invited members of the public will have the chance to walk across it on Saturday and Sunday.
Motorists will be able to drive across it after it reopens on Thursday September 7.
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