BEAR Scotland has announce the launch of the final phase of a project to enhance the Queensferry Crossing diversion process.

The works will include a series of roadworks on the M90 beginning today, Monday 8 April, followed by a full trial of the new diversion process on the night of Saturday 21 April.

This follows last year's successful trial of a new system of moveable automated barriers and works completed in March to install 'intelligent road studs' that will light up to guide motorists onto the diversion route, removing the need to manually lay out traffic cones.

The final phase involves upgrading the automated barriers to allow the system on both sides of the Queensferry Crossing to be operated by a single button, further reducing the time it will take to divert traffic. Various lane and road closures will be required as previously advertised, plus two additional nights of work to commission the system south of the Queensferry Crossing.

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David Bishop, BEAR Scotland's South East Unit Bridges Manager, said: "This new system will significantly reduce the time it takes to open a diversion via the Forth Road Bridge, should the Queensferry Crossing need to close for any reason.

"Last year we carried out a successful trial of the automated vehicle restraint barriers and the improvements we have made since then will further reduce the time it takes to open the diversion route.

"The trial diversion on the night of 21 April will allow us to test the new system and identify and address any issues before it needs to be used in future.

"It is important that road users comply with red X signs above the carriageway when these appear, as the diversion route 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."

Road users using the Queensferry Crossing or Forth Road Bridge during these works are encouraged to plan ahead by checking the Traffic Scotland website www.traffic.gov.scot for up-to-date travel information and allowing extra time for their journey.

BEAR Scotland is leading this project as part of its responsibility for the South East Trunk Road Network on behalf of Transport Scotland. Tarmac is responsible for the surfacing; Clearview Intelligence is responsible for the installation of the new intelligent road studs and SPIE for the upgrade of the automated barrier system.