The Queensferry Crossing is to open to traffic on August 30, it has been announced.
Economy Secretary Keith Brown announced the date during a visit to the Forth Replacement Crossing construction site where he met workers from both the FRC project and veterans of the construction of the Forth Road Bridge.
It was also announced that the bridge would be open to traffic up to September 1, when it will close to allow the public to walk across it in a special event that will take place on September 2 and 3. There are 50,000 spaces available for the walk through a ballot.
Keith Brown said, “It is fitting to be able to make this announcement alongside some of those who built the Forth Road Bridge and those who are building the Queensferry Crossing.
“What is being achieved on the Forth today, like what was achieved 53 years ago, is a testament to the expertise and the endeavour of those who have designed and built these bridges.
“I am very pleased to be able to confirm the Queensferry Crossing will open August 30, 2017. The bridge will be used by vehicles up to September 1, before closing to allow the public the chance to walk across it as part of the Queensferry Crossing Experience on September 2 and 3.
“This marks the beginning of the end of a 10 year process for this project. Starting with the early Forth Crossing studies, the Act of Parliament, design, procurement, through to work beginning on site in August 2011.
“Excitement and anticipation will build in the months ahead as people prepare to walk and drive over this bridge for the first time.”
Michael Martin, project manager for Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors (FCBC), added, “The Queensferry Crossing is one of the world’s great bridges. It’s the largest bridge of its type and its fast track design and construction has presented many challenges.
“The safety of our workforce, who have worked relentlessly through the hostile weather conditions in the Forth estuary to deliver the earliest completion of this project, has always been our number one priority and it will continue to be so as move towards the completion of the project.”
