Queensferry Crossing Automated Barriers | Overnight Closures

A series of overnight closures of the M90 on the approaches to the Queensferry Crossing are scheduled, to allow automated barriers to be serviced in advance of the next full trial of the diversion system.

A new system of automated moveable barriers was installed in 2023 to allow traffic on the M90 to be diverted over the Forth Road Bridge more quickly. The system was upgraded earlier this year with an improved control system and ‘intelligent road studs’ that light up to guide motorists onto the diversion route. In an overnight trial in April, the system was fully deployed within 19 minutes.

The barriers now require servicing and maintenance to ensure the system is fully operational and ready for winter.

Between 22:30 and 06:00 each night from Monday 21 October to Saturday 26 October, the M90 will be closed in both directions south of the bridge between Scotstoun and Queensferry Junctions.

The motorway will then be closed in both directions north of the bridge next to Ferrytoll Junction between 22:30 and 06:00 each night from Monday 28 October to Saturday 2 November.

Finally, two full trials of the diversion system will be undertaken between 00:01 and 08:00 in the early hours of Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 November, with traffic in both directions rerouted over the A9000 Forth Road Bridge.

Details of traffic management and diversion routes for these works can be found in the table below:

David Bishop, BEAR Scotland’s South East Unit Bridges Manager, said: “The system of automated barriers that we have installed significantly reduces the time it takes to open a diversion via the Forth Road Bridge, should the Queensferry Crossing need to close for any reason.

“This autumn we’ll be servicing the system during overnight road closures and there will be two full overnight trials of the system.

“It is important that road users comply with red X signs above the carriageway when these appear, as the diversion cannot be opened until traffic on the motorway has stopped.

“If there are red X signs above all lanes, you must come to a stop.”