An enhanced diversion system for the Queensferry Crossing has been successfully trialled, significantly reducing the time it takes to reroute traffic on the M90 over the Forth Road Bridge.
A new system of automated moveable barriers has been upgraded in recent weeks with an improved control system to speed up its deployment and ‘intelligent road studs’ that light up to guide motorists onto the diversion route.
Traffic on the M90 was stopped at gantries north and south of the Queensferry Crossing just after midnight in the early hours of Sunday 21 April. The diversion over the Forth Road Bridge was then opened to traffic within 19 minutes.
This compares to a time of 38 minutes to open the diversion in a previous trial held before the system was upgraded, which was already a dramatic improvement on the six-hour long process to divert traffic before the automated barriers were installed.
The new system has also improved safety by eliminating the need for long diversions that cause congestion through Kincardine and limiting the number of operatives required to work on foot near live traffic.
David Bishop, BEAR Scotland’s South East Unit Bridges Manager, said: “This new system makes diverting traffic via the Forth Road Bridge faster and safer, if the Queensferry Crossing needs to close for any reason.
“The trial on Sunday morning was a success, with all systems working as intended. The intelligent road studs have reduced the need to lay out large numbers of cones and the upgraded control system has reduced the time it takes to deploy the barriers.
“We’re now reviewing where further improvements could be made and will seek to fine tune the process again in future trials.
“We’re grateful to road users and the local community for their patience and understanding while these improvements were completed.”
BEAR Scotland is leading this project as part of its responsibility for the South East Trunk Road Network on behalf of Transport Scotland. Tarmac was responsible for the surfacing; Clearview Intelligence was responsible for the installation of the new intelligent road studs and SPIE for the upgrade of the automated barrier system.
Video footage of the diversion trial is available on YouTube:
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