Delay while bridge bus lane built

Forth Road Bridge officials said there would be delays

Delays are being forecast for the Forth Road Bridge this weekend as northbound traffic is restricted to a single lane for the construction of a new bus lane.

Significant northbound delays are being predicted for the weekend of 28-30 March.

Feta, the operators of the bridge, are advising drivers to take alternative routes or use public transport.

From 1900 GMT on Friday until 0800 GMT on Saturday traffic will be restricted to a single lane in both directions.

From 0800 GMT on Saturday until 0600 GMT on Monday northbound traffic will be restricted to one lane, but there will be no restrictions southbound.

Bus drivers and members of the public have often told us that it can be difficult and dangerous for buses to pull out of the existing bus stop into the accelerating traffic at the north end of the bridge Tony Martin Feta convener

For six weeks, from 0600 GMT on Monday, there will be two lanes open in both directions, but with narrow lanes northbound. The project is scheduled to be completed in mid-May.

During the works, the existing northbound bus stop at the north end of the bridge will be closed and a temporary bus stop will be put 300 metres to the north at the Welldean lay-by.

The pedestrian and cycle path on the west side of the bridge will be closed to the public, as will the path from the Queensferry Hotel and the steps under the north end of the bridge.

Pedestrian access to and from the temporary bus stop will be via the path which leads from the south end of the Welldean lay-by down onto the B981 and then via the footway on the west side of the B981.

Feta convener Tony Martin said: "This improvement is being carried out as part of our scheme to upgrade the road layout at the bridge following the abolition of tolls.

"It's been made possible with £100,000 funding from Sestran, the regional transport partnership.

"Bus drivers and members of the public have often told us that it can be difficult and dangerous for buses to pull out of the existing bus stop into the accelerating traffic at the north end of the bridge.

"This new bus lane will make it much easier and safer for buses to stop and then rejoin the motorway."