Queensferry Crossing Automated Barriers

BEAR Scotland is installing an innovative, automated barrier system on both sides of the Queensferry Crossing that will allow traffic to be diverted onto the Forth Road Bridge more quickly, should the Queensferry Crossing need to be closed for any reason.

Previously, if the Queensferry Crossing had to be closed, M90 traffic would be diverted via Kincardine Bridge on the A985. Trials to manually erect the traffic management required for a diversion via the Forth Road Bridge took up to six hours, so Kincardine Bridge still had to be used for any shorter-term closures.

The new automated barriers 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 are the first of their kind to be used in the UK.

Chris Tracey, BEAR Scotland’s South East Unit Bridges Manager, said: “This new system will dramatically reduce the time it takes to open a diversion via the Forth Road Bridge, should the Queensferry Crossing need to close for any reason.

“Last year we carried out a successful trial of the automated vehicle restraint barriers and we’re now ready to install intelligent road studs and upgrade the control system so that it can be deployed at the touch of a single button. These improvements will further reduce the time it takes to open the diversion route, should this be required.

“Once these works are complete, we’ll carry out another full trial of the system later in the year.”

BEAR Scotland is leading this project as part of its responsibility for the South East Trunk Road Network on behalf of Transport Scotland. John Paul Construction is responsible for the completing the civils works and SPIE is responsible for the installation of the automated barrier system.

Motorists using the M90 during these works are encouraged to plan ahead before setting out by checking the Traffic Scotland website www.traffic.gov.scot for up-to-date travel information and allowing extra time for their journey.

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Figure 1 – Barrier system on north side in normal position:

Figure 2 – Barrier system on north side in alternative position:

Figure 3 – Barrier system on south side in normal position:

Figure 4 – Barrier system on south side in alternative position:

Queensferry Crossing automated barriers in use south of the bridge

Construction programme

The latest phase of the project got under way in February, with a series of phased roadworks on the M90 over nine weeks.

This follows last year’s successful trial of the new system and works completed in January to set out the positions of new ‘intelligent road studs’ that will light up to guide motorists onto the diversion route, removing the need to manually lay out traffic cones.

The Queensferry Crossing will not be closed during these works, however local diversions will be in place for traffic using the M90 north and south of the bridge.

The phase beginning on 19 February involves four nights of resurfacing works north and south of the Queensferry Crossing, to maximise the lifespan of the new road studs. Road closures with local diversions will be required.

This will be followed by installation of the intelligent road studs themselves, with two weeks of overnight works beginning on 26 February, again requiring road closures with local diversions.

In March and April the automated barriers will be upgraded with new components to allow the system on both sides of the Queensferry Crossing to be operated by a single button, further reducing the time it will take to divert traffic. Various lane and road closures will be required, with two weeks of works on the south side commencing on 11 March, followed by another two weeks on the north side from 8 April.

Full details of traffic management for all of these works can be found here.