Transport Scotland reopens Forth Road Bridge for public buses

Transport Scotland has partially reopened the Forth Road Bridge (FRB) for public buses after the majority of repair works have been completed by the authorities.

The bridge has been closed by the transport authorities after the opening of the new Queensferry Crossing. It was closed to carry out important repair works and be used as a public transport corridor.

It is considered to be one of the important stages in commissioning the public transport corridor, and over the coming weeks, taxis and motorcycles will also be allowed to use this bridge.

Traffic Scotland, Amey and Transport Scotland will monitor the performance of the new bridge, surrounding roads and adjoining junctions.

"Amey is looking forward to taking over responsibility for the Queensferry Crossing and the new approach roads once FCBC has completed their work."

Amey account director for the Forth Bridges Unit Mark Arndt said: “We’ve been taking advantage of the Forth Road Bridge being closed to traffic by carrying out important trials and investigations on the carriageway, with a view to completely resurfacing it at a future date.

“We’ve also taken the opportunity to get ahead with steelwork repairs and other maintenance. It will be good to see the bridge carrying buses again, this marks an important step forward towards the approved Managed Crossing strategy.

“Amey is looking forward to taking over responsibility for the Queensferry Crossing and the new approach roads once FCBC has completed their work.”

The speed limit on the Queensferry Crossing is currently 40mph and it is expected the limit will be increased to 50mph in the coming weeks, with full motorway regulations coming into force later in the year. Once the new bridge is a fully operational motorway, the speed limit will be 70mph.