Queensferry Crossing expected to stay closed until Wednesday

Transport bosses say the Queensferry Crossing could be closed for more than a day because of fears over falling ice.

Eight vehicles were damaged by blocks falling from the bridge's cables on Monday, with a decision to shut the route taken in the evening.

No-one was hurt, but some motorists reported having their windscreen smashed.

It has left motorists facing a 34-mile diversion to the Kincardine Bridge in the meantime

Speaking to Forth News on Tuesday morning, Mark Arndt, director of the Forth Bridges for operating company Amey said: "The Queensferry Crossing is likely to remain closed in both directions all of today and into Wednesday based on the prevailing weather forecast conditions that we're expecting to receive.

"We've witnessed multiple snow events, cold temperatures and the like wihtout any impact at all.

"However, what we observed yesterday seems to be a fairly unique set of weather conditions with strong prevailing westerly winds and a temperature and humidity which was sufficient to allow for a wet driving snow formation.

"This resulted in localised areas of wet snow accumulations forming on the cables really quite quickly and then dropping on the carriageway.

"We are monitoring on a constant basis with a view to re-opening as soon as possible."

Transport Secretary Michael Matheson says action is being taken to resolve the issue and says plans are being made to install ice sensors on the bridge.

He said: “It is fair to say this is the first time the QC has had to close due to the adverse weather and the problems associated with it.

“The monitoring which has been taking place will be looking to get the bridge opened as quickly as possible so the travelling public can make use of it as the earliest the earliest opportunity and when it’s safe to do so.

“There’s been a significant amount of work undertaken around this issue including working with international partners to identify some of the potential options to try and address the problem.

“They’ve also been doing technical work around the type of sensor system that needs to be installed.

“That work is now being completed and is out to procurement and is due to be installed over the next couple of months.

“It’s important to recognise the ice sensor equipment is not about making sure the ice or snow doesn’t build up, it’s about giving an early warning to any build up.

“However, in the interim peroiopd the bridge contractors have been carrying out regular visual monitoring of the bridge in order to identify where snow and ice is building up and taking forward action where they believe that is necessary.

“They’re also using thermal imaging cameras in order to assess the temperature of the bridge structure as well, to identify when it’s likely to have snow and ice build up which will continue to be provided in the days ahead.

“It’s worth keeping in the mind there have been periods of adverse weather with snow and ice where there haven’t been problems on the QC.”

Mr Matheson was also asked why motorists couldn't use the Forth Road Bridge instead, he said:

"The reason the Forth Road Bridge can’t be used at the present time is because one of the carriageways is being completely refurbished – it’s been dug up.

“The links bands between the joints have been removed as well so there are gaps.

“The other part of the bridge is used as a public transport corridor for bus and public transport providers, and because the Queensferry Crossing has been closed the provision of bus services have been increased by 50% to help support people getting into Edinburgh and Fife.

“If it was opened to general car use it would compromise the ability to provide that additional public transport which will remain in place while the bridge is closed.

“However, there may be an opportunity in the future once the repair work is completed to look at whether it could be used at some point– I won’t rule that out.”

A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: "The Deputy First Minister and Transport Secretary were briefed on the closure of the Queensferry Crossing

"Our immediate priority is the safety of bridge users and we remain focused on that while we assess the situation to enable the bridge to re-open as soon as possible. Any wider investigations can take place once the bridge is re-opened."

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