Editing Forth Road Bridge

{{short description|Suspension bridge spanning the Firth of Forth in east-central Scotland}}
{{hatnote|For the adjacent railway bridge, see [[Forth Bridge]]. For the film, see [[The Forth Road Bridge]]. For the second road bridge over the Firth of Forth, see [[Queensferry Crossing]].}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2024}}
{{Use British English|date=September 2024}}

{{Infobox bridge
| name = Forth Road Bridge
| image = The Forth Road Bridge (40863936623).jpg
| image_upright = 1.3
| alt = 
| caption = View from [[South Queensferry]] towards [[Fife]], 2006
| official_name = Forth Road Bridge
| locale = [[Edinburgh]] and [[Fife]], Scotland
| carries = {{Plainlist|
* Motor vehicles ''([[A9000 road (Great Britain)|A9000 road]])''{{efn|name=access}}
* Cyclists ''([[National Cycle Route 1]])''
* Pedestrians
* [[Autonomous vehicle|Driverless buses]] <small></small>
 }}
| crosses = [[Firth of Forth]]
| maint = [[Transport Scotland]]
| open = 4 September 1964
| below = {{convert|44.3|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="FBVC"/>
| traffic = 65,000 vpd (2012 figures)<ref>{{cite web|title=3 Centuries of Spanning the Forth|url=http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/files/documents/projects/forth-replacement/Forth_Bridge_Brochure_VisFinal.pdf|access-date=19 October 2012|author=Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors (consortium)|page=4|quote=Traffic: Each year, almost 24 million vehicles cross the bridge. Statistics show that, typically, 2% more vehicles head south than north.|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606162211/http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/files/documents/projects/forth-replacement/Forth_Bridge_Brochure_VisFinal.pdf|archive-date=6 June 2013}}</ref>
| design = [[Suspension bridge]]
| builder = {{ubl|[[Sir William Arrol & Co.]]|[[Cleveland Bridge & Engineering Company]]|[[Dorman Long]]}}
| toll = Free since 11 February 2008
| mainspan = {{convert|1006|m|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="FBVC"/>
| length = {{convert|2512|m|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="FBVC"/>
| width = {{convert|33|m|0|abbr=on}} [[Dual carriageway|dual two-lane carriageway]], two cycle/footpaths<ref name="FBVC"/>
| height = {{convert|156|m|abbr=on}}<ref name=oldFBVC />
| coordinates = {{coord|56|00|03|N|03|24|15|W|region:GB-SCT|display=inline,title}}
}}

The '''Forth Road Bridge''' is a [[suspension bridge]] in [[Central Belt|east central]] Scotland. The bridge opened in 1964 and at the time was the [[List of longest suspension bridge spans|longest suspension bridge in the world]] outside the United States.<ref>{{cite web |title=Forth Road Bridge Facts & Figures |url=https://www.theforthbridges.org/about-the-forth-bridges/forth-road-bridge/forth-road-bridge-facts-figures/#:~:text=The%20Forth%20Road%20Bridge%20is,between%20the%20two%20main%20towers. |website=www.theforthbridges.org |access-date=22 September 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Forth Road Bridge |url=https://www.theforthbridges.org/about-the-forth-bridges/forth-road-bridge/#:~:text=With%20a%20main%20span%20of,is%20over%202.5%20km%20long. |website=www.theforthbridges.org |access-date=22 September 2024 }}</ref> The bridge spans the [[Firth of Forth]], connecting [[Edinburgh]], at [[South Queensferry]], to [[Fife]], at [[North Queensferry]]. It replaced a centuries-old ferry service to carry vehicular traffic, cyclists and pedestrians across the Forth; railway crossings are made by the nearby [[Forth Bridge]], opened in 1890.

The [[Scottish Parliament]] voted to scrap tolls on the bridge from February 2008.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/7235131.stm|title=Tolls removed from Scots bridges|date=11 February 2008|access-date=18 January 2018}}</ref> The adjacent [[Queensferry Crossing]] was opened in August 2017 to carry the [[M90 motorway]] across the Firth of Forth, replacing the Forth Road Bridge which had exceeded its design capacity.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-41143016|title=Queen opens new Queensferry Crossing|date=4 September 2017|work=BBC News|access-date=18 January 2018}}</ref> At its peak, the Forth Road Bridge carried 65,000 vehicles per day.

The Forth Road Bridge was subsequently closed for repairs and refurbishment. It reopened in February 2018, now redesignated as a dedicated Public Transport Corridor, with access to motor vehicles other than buses and taxis restricted;{{efn|name=access|Motor vehicle access is now restricted as the bridge has been designated as a dedicated Public Transport Corridor. The only vehicles allowed to use the crossing are buses, taxis, agricultural vehicles banned from the [[Queensferry Crossing]], emergency vehicles, learner driver motorcycles more than 125cc, and all motorcycles up to 125cc.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theforthbridges.org/plan-your-journey/road-user-guide/access-restrictions/|title=Access restrictions &#124; The Forth Bridges|website=www.theforthbridges.org}}</ref>}} pedestrians and cyclists are still permitted to use the bridge.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/forth-road-bridge-set-open-public-transport-corridor-tomorrow-queensferry-crossing-becomes-motorway/ | title=Forth Road Bridge set to open as 'public transport corridor' tomorrow as Queensferry Crossing becomes motorway| date=31 January 2018}}</ref> In May 2023, [[Stagecoach Fife]] started the first driverless bus service to carry passengers in the United Kingdom along a park-and-ride route which includes the Forth Road Bridge as its main section.<ref>{{cite web |title=Stagecoach to launch fleet of driverless buses between Fife and Edinburgh |url=https://www.dunfermlinepress.com/news/23433311.stagecoach-launch-driverless-buses-forth-road-bridge/ |access-date=4 April 2023 |website=Dunfermline Press |date=4 April 2023 }}</ref><ref name="BBC-15May2023">{{cite news |title=UK's first driverless bus begins passenger service in Edinburgh |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-65589913 |access-date=15 May 2023 |work=BBC News |date=15 May 2023}}</ref>

==History==
The first crossing at the site of the bridge was established in the 11th&nbsp;century by [[Saint Margaret of Scotland|Margaret]], [[queen consort]] of King [[Malcolm III of Scotland|Malcolm III]], who founded a ferry service to transport religious pilgrims from Edinburgh to [[Dunfermline Abbey]] and [[St Andrews]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/cannypublishing/newsletter.html |title=Queensferry History Group Newsletter |publisher=Myweb.tiscali.co.uk |date=4 November 2004 |access-date=15 January 2012 |archive-date=19 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120619204140/http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/cannypublishing/newsletter.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Its creation gave rise to the port towns of Queensferry and North Queensferry, which remain to this day; the passenger ferry service continued without interruption for over 800 years. There were proposals as early as the 1740s for a road crossing at the site, although its viability was only considered after the [[Forth Bridge]] was built in 1890.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.feta.gov.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=34&Itemid=55 |publisher=Forth Estuary Transport Authority |title=History – Pre 1950 |access-date=7 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080314142413/http://www.feta.gov.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=34&Itemid=55 |archive-date=14 March 2008}}</ref>

The importance of the crossing for vehicular traffic was underpinned when the [[Great Britain road numbering scheme]] was drawn up in the 1920s. The planners wished the arterial [[A9 road (Great Britain)|A9 road]] to be routed across the Forth here, although the unwillingness to have a ferry crossing as part of this route led to the [[A90 road (Great Britain)|A90]] number being assigned instead.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/roadlists/1922.shtml |title=1922 Road Lists – Roader's Digest: The SABRE Wiki |publisher=sabre-roads.org.uk |access-date=15 January 2012 |archive-date=19 March 2009 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20090319025415/http://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/roadlists/1922.shtml |url-status=dead }}</ref>

There was more lobbying for a road crossing in the 1920s and 1930s, when the only vehicle crossing was a single passenger and vehicle ferry. Sir [[William Denny (shipbuilders)|William Denny]] championed the expansion of that service in the 1930s, providing and operating on behalf of the [[London and North Eastern Railway]] two additional ferries to supplement the nearby railway bridge. Due to their success, two more ferry boats were added in the 1940s and 1950s,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.megoran.fsworld.co.uk/Forth%20Ferries.htm |title=The Withdrawal of the Firth of Forth Paddle Ferries |date=September 2004 |access-date=7 September 2013 |work=www.megoran.fsworld.co.uk |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100531175416/http://www.megoran.fsworld.co.uk/Forth%20Ferries.htm |archive-date=31 May 2010}}</ref> by which time the ferries were making 40,000 crossings annually, carrying 1.5 million passengers and 800,000 vehicles.

===Design===
With the then newest and nearest bridge spanning the Forth (the [[Kincardine Bridge]], built in 1936) still around {{convert|15|mi|km}} upstream, the upsurge in demand for a road crossing between Edinburgh and Fife<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=RT5AAAAAIBAJ&pg=4422%2C1396060 |title=Forth Road Bridge. Burghs Support Committee's Action |work=The Glasgow Herald |page=3 |date=27 October 1944 |access-date=24 November 2016}}</ref> prompted the [[Her Majesty's Government|UK Government]] to establish the Forth Road Bridge Joint Board (FRBJB) by [[Act of Parliament]] in 1947 to oversee the implementation of a new bridge to replace the ferry service.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NQZDDwAAQBAJ&q=forth+road+bridge+joint+board+scottish+parliament+1947&pg=PP87|title=Advances in Cable-Supported Bridges: Selected Papers, 5th International Cable-Supported Bridge Operator's Conference, New York City, 28–29 August, 2006|last=Mahmoud|first=Khaled|date=14 December 2017|publisher=CRC Press|isbn=9781351377188}}</ref> The authorities on both sides investigated in 1955, and drew up an alternative scheme for a tunnel beneath the estuary. This was known as the Maunsell Scheme, and was projected to run somewhat closer to the rail bridge than the present road bridge. The scheme was abandoned as too ambitious, and a bridge was built instead.<ref>National Archive of Scotland ref.DD4/4300/2/8</ref>

===Construction===
[[File:The Forth Road Bridge - geograph.org.uk - 411708.jpg|thumb|Under construction in July 1962]]

[[File:Section of vertical cable of the Forth Bridge, photo 1.JPG|thumb|A section of cable from the Forth Bridge, at the [[National Museum of Scotland]], 2020]]
The final construction plan was accepted in February 1958 and work began that September.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=IjY1AAAAIBAJ&pg=1910%2C248700 |title=Work begins on Forth Road Bridge. South Queensferry's Hopes As Tourist Centre |work=The Herald |date=2 September 1958 |page=11 |access-date=15 May 2017}}</ref> [[Mott, Hay and Anderson]] and [[Hyder Consulting|Freeman Fox & Partners]] carried out the design work and a joint venture of [[Sir William Arrol & Co.]], [[Cleveland Bridge & Engineering Company]] and [[Dorman Long]] constructed the bridge at a cost of £15.1 million.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.thethreebridges.com/forth-road-bridge/  |title=Forth Road Bridge|publisher=The Three Bridges| access-date=18 September 2021}}</ref> The resident design engineer was John Alexander King Hamilton [[FRSE]] (1900–1982).<ref>{{cite book|title=Biographical Index of Former Fellows of the Royal Society of Edinburgh 1783–2002|date=July 2006|publisher=The Royal Society of Edinburgh|isbn=0-902-198-84-X|url=https://www.royalsoced.org.uk/cms/files/fellows/biographical_index/fells_indexp1.pdf|access-date=6 September 2016|archive-date=24 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130124115814/http://www.royalsoced.org.uk/cms/files/fellows/biographical_index/fells_indexp1.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

It was the longest steel suspension bridge in Europe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.concretecentre.com/pdf/CQ_063_Winter1964.PDF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305015018/http://www.concretecentre.com/pdf/CQ_063_Winter1964.PDF|url-status=dead|title=Concrete Quarterly Winter 1964|archive-date=5 March 2016}}</ref> It used 210,000&nbsp;tons of concrete, with {{convert|9|mi|km|abbr=off}} of [[Grade separation|grade-separated]] dual-carriageway [[approach road]]s. [[Reed & Mallik]] built the approach viaducts.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thethreebridges.com/forth-road-bridge/|title=Forth Road Bridge {{!}} The Three Bridges|last=mtc.|work=The Three Bridges|access-date=18 January 2018}}</ref>

Twenty-four individual bridges were built for the approach roads. The {{convert|4+1/2|mi|km|adj=on}} southern approach road of the A90 began at Cramond Bridge, over the [[River Almond (Lothian)|River Almond]] on the western outskirts of Edinburgh, near [[Craigiehall]]. There were two-level interchanges built at Burnshot, Dolphington (B924) and the Echline junction ([[A904 road|A904]] and B800). At [[Dalmeny]] there was a bridge over the [[Fife Circle Line|railway]]. The southern approach roads were built by A.M. Carmichael Ltd. The {{convert|4|mi|km|0|abbr=on}} northern approach road had three two-level junctions at Ferry Toll<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ferrytoll.org/htmlpages/index.html|title=Ferrytoll Park & Ride|access-date=4 December 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525130356/http://www.ferrytoll.org/htmlpages/index.html|archive-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> (for the B980), Admiralty (for [[Rosyth Dockyard]] via the [[A985 road|A985]], and [[Inverkeithing]] via the [[A921 road|A921]]) and at Mastertown/Masterton (for what would be the fledgling M90 southern terminus). The Masterton junction was an octopus junction, a variation of a [[Cloverleaf interchange|clover-leaf junction]], with six bridges and a 600&nbsp;ft viaduct. There were fifteen bridges built for this approach road. The northern approach road terminated as the [[A823(M) motorway|A823(M)]] at a roundabout with the [[A823 road|A823]] south of Dunfermline, next to [[Rosyth railway station]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://motorwayarchive.ihtservices.co.uk/en/motorways/motorway-listing/m90-inverkeithing-to-perth-and-m85-perth-bypass/index.cfm|title=M90. Inverkeithing to Perth and M85. Perth by-pass|author=Pixl8 Developer|access-date=4 December 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808180031/http://motorwayarchive.ihtservices.co.uk/en/motorways/motorway-listing/m90-inverkeithing-to-perth-and-m85-perth-bypass/index.cfm|archive-date=8 August 2016}}</ref> The northern approach roads were built by Whatlings Ltd of Glasgow, later bought by [[Alfred McAlpine]].

Seven people died during construction before the bridge was opened by [[Elizabeth II|Queen Elizabeth II]] and the [[Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh|Duke of Edinburgh]] on 4 September 1964.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.feta.gov.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=33&Itemid=93 |publisher=Forth Estuary Transport Authority |title=The Bridge – Introduction |access-date=7 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430093834/http://www.feta.gov.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=33&Itemid=93 |archive-date=30 April 2009}}</ref> The ferry service was discontinued as of that date.

===Operation===
[[File:Forth Road Bridge (1982) - geograph.org.uk - 870627.jpg|thumb|The bridge in 1982]] 
The bridge's management was delegated to the FRBJB, and remained so until 2002 when its operation was transferred to a new body with a wider remit, the [[Forth Estuary Transport Authority]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2002/01/933 |title=New transport body for Forth road bridge|publisher= Scottish Executive|date= 17 January 2001 |access-date=11 December 2013}}</ref>

On 1 December 2010, the bridge was closed for the first time due to heavy snow. After several accidents meant snowploughs were unable to clear the carriageways, the bridge was closed in both directions at 6.40&nbsp;a.m. and remained closed for several hours.<ref>{{cite news|first=Auslan |last=Cramb |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/8174108/Snow-closes-Forth-Bridge-for-first-time.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101204053324/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/8174108/Snow-closes-Forth-Bridge-for-first-time.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 December 2010 |title=Snow closes Forth Bridge for first time |newspaper=Telegraph |date=1 December 2010 |access-date=15 January 2012}}</ref>

As part of celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the bridge's operation, artist [[Kate Downie]] was commissioned to create a print of the bridge and hold an exhibition of works portraying it.<ref name="Forth">{{cite news|url=http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/life-style/how-kate-downie-prepared-road-bridge-diaries-1-3511646|title=How Kate Downie prepared Road Bridge Diaries|date=16 August 2014|work=Edinburgh Evening News|access-date=17 September 2014}}</ref>

On 1 June 2015, [[Amey plc|Amey]] took over the maintenance and operating of the bridge on behalf of Transport Scotland from the Forth Estuary Transport Authority,<ref>{{cite web |title=Amey Wins Contract to Operate Forth Road Bridges |url=https://www.theforthbridges.org/news-and-blogs-from-the-forth-bridges/amey-wins-contract-to-operate-forth-road-bridges/ |website=www.theforthbridges.org |access-date=22 September 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Amey wins Forth Bridges contract in Scotland |url=https://www.amey.co.uk/media/press-releases/2014/december/amey-wins-forth-bridges-contract-in-scotland |website=Amey |access-date=22 September 2024 }}</ref> and are now called the Forth Bridges Unit.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theforthbridges.org/news/amey-wins-contract-to-operate-forth-road-bridges/|title=Amey wins contract to operate Forth Road Bridges|work=The Forth Bridges|access-date=18 January 2018}}</ref>

===Structural issues===
[[File:Forth Road Bridge cable inspection.jpg|thumb|left|An inspection of the integrity of the cables under way on the bridge]]

Forth Estuary Transport Authority (FETA) began to be concerned over the structural wear of the bridge in the early years of the 21st century. The planned theoretical capacity for the bridge (30,000&nbsp;vehicles per day in each direction) was routinely exceeded as traffic levels outstripped predictions. The [[Scottish Government]] stated in 2006 that 60,000&nbsp;vehicles travelled on more than half the days in a year.<ref name = "scottish government"/> This raised concerns about the lifespan of the bridge, originally planned at 120 years.<ref name = "scottish government">{{cite web |url=http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Transport/Road/TollBridge |publisher=Scottish Government |title=Toll Bridges |date=3 July 2006 |access-date=7 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080705150358/http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Transport/Road/TollBridge |archive-date=5 July 2008}}</ref>

In 2003, an inspection programme was launched (costing £1.2&nbsp;million) to assess the condition of the main suspension cables after corrosion was discovered in a number of older bridges in the United States of a similar design and size. The study was completed two years later and reported that the main cables had suffered an 8%–10% loss of strength. This weakening was projected to accelerate, with traffic restrictions to limit loading required in 2014 in the worst-case scenario, followed by full closure by 2020.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.feta.gov.uk/download/files/firstinsp.pdf |title=Forth Road Bridge – First internal inspection, strength evaluation, acoustic monitoring and dehumidification of the main cables |first1=Barry R. |last1=Colford |first2=Charles P. E. |last2=Cocksedge |publisher=FETA |access-date=7 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218133741/http://www.feta.gov.uk/download/files/firstinsp.pdf |archive-date=18 December 2008}}</ref>

[[File:Forth bridge dsc06385.jpg|thumb|right|High-tensile wires suspending the deck of the northbound carriageway]]

An acoustic monitoring system was commissioned in August 2006, using listening devices to monitor any further strands snapping and pinpoint their location within the main cables. In January 2006, the Scottish Executive completed a third-party audit on the bridge which concluded that FETA had performed the initial internal inspection and cable strength calculation in accordance with accepted practice. The report suggested that traffic restrictions could be required by 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/03/03154220/0 |title=Audit of the Main Cable Inspection and Assessment: Final Report|publisher= The Scottish Government|date= 7 March 2006|access-date=11 December 2013}}</ref>

Several actions were taken to increase the bridge's lifespan. These included a [[humidity|dehumidification]] programme that slowed the rate of corrosion in the main cables by keeping air in the voids between the main cables' strands below 40% humidity. Engineering consultants [[Faber Maunsell]] began work on the project in 2006; it took two and a half years to complete at a cost of £7.8&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.feta.gov.uk/index.php?option=com_remository&Itemid=126&func=download&id=304&chk=cc1d8e8f5b5a27698144e06f802e4348 |title=FETA Forges Ahead to Tackle Corrosion |publisher=Forth Estuary Transport Authority |date=1 December 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608103901/http://www.feta.gov.uk/index.php?option=com_remository&Itemid=126&func=download&id=304&chk=cc1d8e8f5b5a27698144e06f802e4348 |archive-date=8 June 2013 }}</ref> As part of the works, some of the corroded cable strands were [[rope splicing|spliced]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ndtcabin.com/articles/construction/0501001.php |title=Severe corrosion found on Forth Bridge cables |publisher=ndtcabin.com |access-date=15 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120211083523/http://www.ndtcabin.com/articles/construction/0501001.php |archive-date=11 February 2012 }}</ref>

[[File:Forth Road Bridge Anchorage Chamber.jpg|thumb|left|Forth Road Bridge anchorage chamber, north side]]

The southbound carriageway of the bridge was closed on 1 December 2015, with all traffic using a single lane each way on the northbound carriageway after steelwork defects had been discovered during routine inspections,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/14118869.Motorists_face_third_day_of_disruption_due_to_defect_on_Forth_Road_Bridge/?ref=rss|title=Motorists face third day of disruption due to defect on Forth Road Bridge|work=Herald Scotland|date=2 December 2015 |access-date=4 December 2015}}</ref> and traffic was restricted to 7.5 tonnes or less (public service vehicles excepted).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dunfermlinepress.com/news/14122388.Weight_restriction_on_Forth_Road_Bridge_as_traffic_chaos_continues/|title=Weight restriction on Forth Road Bridge as traffic chaos continues|work=Dunfermline Press|date=3 December 2015 |access-date=4 December 2015}}</ref> On 4 December, the bridge was fully closed when further structural faults were found. It was initially not expected to reopen until January 2016, and Transport Scotland began work to lay on extra trains and buses and considered whether to reintroduce a ferry service to mitigate the impact on travellers.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/dec/04/scotland-scrambles-to-find-extra-trains-after-closure-of-forth-road-bridge|title=Scotland scrambles for extra trains after Forth Road Bridge closure|first=Severin |last=Carrell|newspaper=the Guardian|access-date=4 December 2015|date=4 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-35001277 | title=Forth bridge to be shut until new year| work=BBC News| date=4 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-scotland-35003578/minister-explains-bridge-closure | title=Minister explains bridge closure| work=BBC News}}</ref>

On 23 December, the bridge was reopened for all traffic except [[Large goods vehicle|heavy goods vehicles]] (HGVs). On 4 February, it was announced this had been pushed back to March,<ref>{{cite web |title=Full reopening of Forth Road Bridge delayed by month for HGVs |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-35492023 |website=BBC News |access-date=22 September 2024 |date=4 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=McCulloch |first1=Scott |title=HGV restrictions on Forth Bridge extended to Mid-March |url=https://www.insider.co.uk/news/hgv-restrictions-forth-bridge-extended-9894048 |website=businessInsider |access-date=22 September 2024 |date=4 February 2016}}</ref> due to further problems with the truss end link pins in the southern towers, which required additional remedial work.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-35492023|title=Full reopening of bridge delayed|work=BBC News |date=5 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scotsman.com/news-2-15012/transport/northbound-only-hgvs-to-use-forth-road-bridge-at-night-1-4020678|title='Northbound only' HGVs to use Forth Road Bridge at night|website=www.scotsman.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://stv.tv/news/east-central/1341536-weather-delays-full-reopening-of-forth-bridge-as-hgv-trial-starts/|title=Forth Road Bridge will not fully reopen to all vehicles until March|website=STV News}}</ref> However, a limited number of HGVs were allowed to cross, in a northbound direction only, between 11 pm and 4 am each night.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.theforthbridges.org/news/hgv-trial-to-start-on-forth-road-bridge/ | title=HGV trial to start on Forth Road Bridge}}</ref> On 20 February 2016, the bridge was fully reopened.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.theforthbridges.org/news/forth-road-bridge-ready-to-reopen-to-hgvs/ | title=Forth Road Bridge Ready to Reopen to HGVs}}</ref>

{{clear}}

====2016 public inquiry====
[[File:ForthRoadBridgeUnder.jpg|thumb|Undercarriage of Forth Road Bridge, 2024.]]
On 20 January 2016, the Scottish Parliament began an inquiry led by the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Committee (ICI) to determine the circumstances that led to the discovery of a cracked truss in the bridge's undercarriage.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://stv.tv/news/east-central/1339718-inquiry-into-closure-of-the-forth-road-bridge-to-begin-at-holyrood/|title=Inquiry into closure of the Forth Road Bridge to begin at Holyrood|website=STV News}}</ref> Evidence was heard from FETA, Transport Minister Derek Mackay, engineers and officials from Amey along with a number of other experts and key personnel.

On the first day, Richard Hornby, of engineering consulting firm [[Arup Group|Arup]], stated that the truss end in question had been inspected 23 times since 2001, and no fault had been found. It was revealed that a pin had seized up, which caused the truss end to crack, and it was only the quality of the steel which had stopped its cracking appearing earlier. Hornby also made clear that even if the seized pin had been picked up earlier, it was "virtually impossible" to lubricate the bearing.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thenational.scot/news/inspections-could-not-have-detected-forth-road-bridge-fault-inquiry-is-told.12659 |title=Inspections could not have detected Forth Road Bridge fault, inquiry is told| first=Kathleen |last=Nutt |work=[[The National (Scotland)|The National]] |date=21 January 2016 |access-date=28 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-35354846 |title=Seized pin caused Forth Road Bridge fault, engineer tells Holyrood inquiry |work=BBC News |date=20 January 2016}}</ref> Several witnesses defended a decision by previous operator FETA not to proceed with a £15 million truss end link replacement project in 2010. This was disputed by Barry Colford, former chief engineer and bridgemaster at FETA. Lesley Hinds, FETA's former convener, pointed out that the bridge budget had been cut by 58% in 2011,<ref>{{cite web |title=Forth Road Bridge engineers 'wanted to replace' link which broke |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-35419963 |website=BBC News |access-date=22 September 2024 |date=27 January 2016}}</ref> while senior staff at FETA had "deep concerns" about the transfer of bridge management to a private company.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/politics/248244/vital-work-shelved-due-to-funding-cuts-forth-road-bridge-inquiry-hears/ |title=Vital work shelved due to funding cuts, Forth Road Bridge inquiry hears |work=The Courier |date=28 January 2016 |access-date=28 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-35419963|title=MSPs quiz Forth Road Bridge engineer|work=BBC News |date=27 January 2016}}</ref>

===New crossings and change of use===
{{main|Queensferry Crossing}}
[[File:Forthcurrent.jpg|thumb|Forth Road Bridge operating as a public transport corridor, 2024. [[Queensferry Crossing]], the newer road bridge crossing the Firth of Forth, is shown in the background.]]
The strategic transport importance of the road bridge and the threat of closure by 2020 if major structural work were not undertaken led to fears of serious economic consequences.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/time_running_out_for_new_bridge_1_689752 |title=Time running out for new bridge – News |publisher=scotsman.com |date=26 January 2006 |access-date=15 January 2012}}</ref> Increasing traffic levels across the Firth of Forth had also led to the construction of the [[Clackmannanshire Bridge]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/tayside_and_central/7646508.stm |title=UK &#124; Scotland &#124; Tayside and Central &#124; Name chosen for new Forth bridge |work=BBC News |date=1 October 2008 |access-date=15 January 2012}}</ref> adjacent to the existing [[Kincardine Bridge]]. This bridge opened in November 2008.

Proposals for a second road crossing at Queensferry had been made in the 1990s, but were shelved, despite preliminary work on route selection. Following the discovery of potentially serious structural issues with the Forth Road Bridge in 2005 the proposals were revisited and plans advanced. The decision to proceed with a replacement bridge was taken at the end of 2007, and it was announced the following year that the existing bridge would be retained as a public transport link. The Forth Crossing Act received Royal Assent in January 2011,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.transport.gov.scot/projects/forth-replacement-crossing/document-library/forth-crossing-act/|title=Transport Scotland|website=www.transport.gov.scot|access-date=18 January 2018}}</ref> and the new bridge was opened in late 2017.

On 1 February 2018, the Forth Road Bridge became a Public Transport Corridor, with all approach roads in full operation.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.dunfermlinepress.com/news/15913226.Forth_Road_Bridge_reopens_to_public_transport/ | title=Forth Road Bridge reopens to public transport| date=February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.scotsman.com/news/transport/bus-work-incomplete-as-forth-road-bridge-starts-new-role-1-4677838 | title=Bus work 'incomplete' as Forth Road Bridge starts new role}}</ref> The bridge was closed between September and mid October 2017 for roadworks before partially reopening for public buses.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-41594788 | title=Public buses back on Forth Road Bridge| work=BBC News| date=13 October 2017}}</ref>

As of December 2020, work was underway that would allow the Forth Road Bridge to become an emergency diversion route for private transport.<ref name = diversion>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-55286479 |title=Queensferry Crossing and Forth Road Bridge to close for emergency drill |website=BBC News |date=13 December 2020 |access-date=13 December 2020}}</ref> The Queensferry Crossing has proofing that makes it less vulnerable to high winds than the Forth Road Bridge, but it was closed for the first time in February 2020 due to accumulations of ice on its towers.<ref name = diversion/>

====Driverless buses====
[[File:Stagecoach autonomous E200 MMC trial.jpg|thumb|right|A driverless bus of the same model that operates across the Forth Road Bridge.]]
On 22 November 2018, it was announced that £4.35 million of funding had been secured for the United Kingdom's first passenger-carrying [[autonomous vehicle|driverless bus]] trial, planned to take place across the Forth Road Bridge public transport corridor by 2021.<ref>{{cite news |date=22 November 2018 |title=First driverless Edinburgh to Fife bus trial announced |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-46309121 |access-date=4 April 2023}}</ref> Five brand new autonomous 42-seater [[Alexander Dennis Enviro200 MMC|Alexander Dennis Enviro200AV]] single-decker buses, with autonomous control modifications supplied by Fusion Processing, are operated by [[Stagecoach Fife]] on a {{convert|14|mi|km}} park-and-ride route in mixed traffic at up to {{convert|50|mph|abbr=on}} between [[Inverkeithing]], on the north side of the Forth, and [[Edinburgh Park station|Edinburgh Park]] Transport Exchange, across the bridge. The service has two members of staff onboard – for operational reasons and to comply with UK legislation, a safety driver is still present in the cab to monitor the technology, but they do not operate the vehicle other than in exceptional circumstances. A 'captain' takes tickets and answers questions. The service started on 15 May 2023 and runs on a frequent timetable with capacity anticipated to be around 10,000 passenger journeys a week.<ref>{{cite web |title=Stagecoach to launch fleet of driverless buses between Fife and Edinburgh |url=https://www.dunfermlinepress.com/news/23433311.stagecoach-launch-driverless-buses-forth-road-bridge/ |access-date=4 April 2023 |website=Dunfermline Press |date=4 April 2023 }}</ref><ref name="BBC-15May2023"/>

==Statistics==
The bridge's central main span is {{convert|1006|m}} long, its two side spans are each {{convert|408|m}} long, and the approach viaducts are {{convert|257|m|}} on the north side and {{convert|438|m}} on the south side. The total length is {{convert|2,512|m}}.<ref name="theforthbridges.org">{{cite web|url=https://www.theforthbridges.org/forth-road-bridge/facts-and-figures/|title=Facts and Figures {{!}} Forth Road Bridge {{!}} The Forth Bridges|website=www.theforthbridges.org|access-date=18 January 2018}}</ref> It was the longest suspension bridge span outside the United States and the [[List of longest suspension bridge spans|fourth-longest span in the world]] at the time of its construction. The bridge is made of 39,000 tonnes of [[steel]] and 115,000 cubic metres of [[concrete]]. The towers reach {{convert|156|m}} above mean water level. There is a [[dual carriageway]] road with two lanes in each direction, and cycle/footpaths on each side. The main strung cables are {{convert|590|mm}} in diameter, with 11,618 high tensile wires, each five millimetres in diameter, and each cable carries 13,800&nbsp;tonnes of the bridge's load.<ref name="FBVC">{{cite web |title=Forth Road Bridge Facts and Figures |url=http://www.forthroadbridge.org/the-bridge/facts-and-figures/ |publisher=Forth Bridges Visitors Centre Trust |access-date=2 November 2015}}</ref><ref name=oldFBVC>{{cite web|title=FORTH ROAD BRIDGE FACTS & FIGURES|url=http://www.forthbridges.org.uk/roadbridgefacts.htm|publisher=Forth Bridges Visitor Centre Trust|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217182353/http://www.forthbridges.org.uk/roadbridgefacts.htm|archive-date=17 February 2012|access-date=11 December 2013}}</ref>

The bridge formed a crucial part of the corridor between south-east and north-east Scotland, linking Edinburgh to [[Perth, Scotland|Perth]], [[Dundee]] and [[Aberdeen]] by the A90 road and its sister [[M90&nbsp;motorway]], which used to begin {{convert|1+2/3|mi}} north of the bridge's northern end. The bridge carried around 2.5 million vehicles in its first year, increasing to around 21.4&nbsp;million vehicles in 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.feta.gov.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=36&Itemid=57 |publisher=Forth Estuary Transport Authority |title=Traffic Statistics |access-date=7 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090516224731/http://www.feta.gov.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=36&Itemid=57 |archive-date=16 May 2009}}</ref> The bridge carried its 250 millionth vehicle in 2002.

It was awarded [[Historic Scotland]]'s [[Category A listed|Category A listed structure]] status in 2001.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=v1v_-lCpyecC&q=historic+scotland%27s+category+a+listed+structures+2001&pg=PA59|title=Advances in Cable-Supported Bridges: Selected Papers, 5th International Cable-Supported Bridge Operator's Conference, New York City, 28–29 August, 2006|last=Mahmoud|first=Khaled|date=10 August 2006|publisher=CRC Press|isbn=9780415419826}}</ref><ref>{{Historic Environment Scotland|num=LB47778|desc=Forth Road Bridge with approach ramps and piers|cat=A|access-date=26 March 2019}}</ref>

==Tolls==
On 11 February 2008, tolls were abolished on the bridge by The Scottish Government.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2008/01/30104724 |title=Abolition of bridge tolls |date=30 January 2008 |access-date=8 March 2013|publisher=The Scottish Government}}</ref>

Initially, it was suggested that tolls would cease once the original cost of construction (plus accrued [[interest]]) was repaid. This was achieved in 1993, and it was planned that tolls would not be levied after May 1995. Instead, legislation enabling the continued levying of tolls was renewed by Parliament (originally that of the UK but now the Scottish Parliament) in 1998, 2003 and 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.notolls.org.uk/scotland.htm |title=National Alliance Against Tolls – Scotland |publisher=notolls.org.uk |access-date=15 January 2012}}</ref>

Originally, a toll was paid for each direction of travel, with sets of tollbooths on both carriageways. In 1997, the northbound toll was doubled (from 40p to 80p) and the southbound toll abolished on the presumption that almost all traffic makes a return journey across the bridge, and that the removal of the southbound toll would result in a reduction of congestion without reducing revenue.

FETA said the continued charging of tolls was necessary to fund maintenance and improvement works. These included the construction of defences around the submerged piers forming the bases of the main towers to guard against collisions. The main towers were also strengthened with internal steel columns (the original tower structure was hollow) and had hydraulic rams jack up these sections to transfer a portion of the load to the new steelwork. Also, the vertical cables suspending the deck had their bolts replaced after a detected failure. A new paint system required development for the bridge (the original was phased out due to environmental concerns).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.feta.gov.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=53 |publisher=Forth Estuary Transport Authority |title=Bridge Projects |access-date=7 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090814203507/http://www.feta.gov.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=53 |archive-date=14 August 2009}}</ref>

===Variable tolling proposals===
In late-2005, FETA's committee approved a proposed revamp of the tolls. The minimum toll would stay fixed at £1, but higher tolls would be charged at some times of day, with a maximum of £4 during evening rush hours. All tolls would be halved for cars with more than one occupant, as an incentive for motorists to share cars and make fewer journeys.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/4468800.stm|title=Bridge board backs £4 toll plan|date=25 November 2005|access-date=18 January 2018}}</ref> According to FETA's chairman [[Lawrence Marshall]], the system would provide the most efficiency; he said that 80% of peak-time journeys are made by single-occupant vehicles. The proposal, passed with the chairman's casting vote after the committee was deadlocked, was referred to the [[Scottish Executive]] in December 2005, and implementation planned for October 2007 subject to approval by Transport Minister [[Tavish Scott]]. Environmental groups welcomed the proposal, but local politicians condemned it as simply a means of raising capital. At the same time, Fife councillors counter-proposed the complete removal of tolls.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4468800.stm |title=UK &#124; Scotland &#124; Bridge board backs £4 toll plan |work=BBC News |date=25 November 2005 |access-date=15 January 2012}}</ref>

The Scottish Parliament debated the proposals in January 2006, and the affair became a major political issue after UK Cabinet Ministers [[Gordon Brown]] and [[Alistair Darling]] ([[Chancellor of the Exchequer]] and [[Secretary of State for Scotland]] respectively) were seen to describe the variable tolling plan as "dead in the water".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/not_even_an_election_can_bridge_the_gap_between_gordon_and_jack_1_1408847 |title=Not even an election can bridge the gap between Gordon and Jack – News |publisher=scotsman.com |date=29 January 2006 |access-date=15 January 2012}}</ref> Scottish [[First Minister of Scotland|First Minister]] [[Jack McConnell]] insisted his [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour Party]] colleagues were misquoted, and refused to rule out the plan, receiving criticism from the opposition [[Scottish National Party]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4650128.stm |title=UK &#124; Scotland &#124; Minister defiant on bridge issues |work=BBC News |date=26 January 2006 |access-date=15 January 2012}}</ref>

There was a [[2006 Dunfermline and West Fife by-election|by-election on 9 February 2006]] for Dunfermline and West Fife, the constituency in which the north end of the bridge is situated. It was contested (in addition to the major political parties in Scotland) by an Abolish Forth Bridge Tolls Party. [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrat]] candidate [[Willie Rennie]] won the election, overturning a large Labour majority on a 16% [[swing (politics)|swing]]. Afterwards, media speculated that the Executive had turned against the proposals, and Tavish Scott eventually confirmed their rejection and the retention of the existing toll structure on 1 March 2006. FETA condemned the decision, while local opposition [[Member of the Scottish Parliament|MSPs]] charged the Minister that his tolling review short-changed Fifers as tolls were axed on the [[Erskine Bridge]], leaving tolls on just the Forth and [[Tay Road Bridge]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/bridge_boss_furious_over_decision_to_freeze_tolls_1_973310 |title=Bridge boss furious over decision to freeze tolls – News |publisher=scotsman.com |date=2 March 2006 |access-date=15 January 2012}}</ref>

===Abolition===
When an [[Government of the 3rd Scottish Parliament|SNP minority government]] was formed after the [[2007 Scottish Parliament election|Scottish parliamentary election of May 2007]], a new debate on the abolition of tolls was opened by Transport Minister [[Stewart Stevenson]] on 31 May 2007, and the abolition was agreed by a large majority. Annual toll income at that point totalled £16,000,000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/bridge_tolls_scrapped_by_the_end_of_the_year_1_749710 |title=Bridge tolls 'scrapped by the end of the year' – Politics |publisher=scotsman.com |date=1 June 2007 |access-date=15 January 2012}}</ref>

The Abolition of Bridge Tolls (Scotland) Bill was introduced in the Scottish Parliament on 3 September 2007, passed on 20 December 2007, and received royal assent on 24 January 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/01-AbolitionBridgeTolls/index.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080112154009/http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/01-AbolitionBridgeTolls/index.htm|url-status=dead|title="Abolition of Bridge Tolls (Scotland) Bill" Scottish Parliament.|archive-date=12 January 2008}}</ref> The tolls were removed on 11 February 2008 at 00:01&nbsp;GMT.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/date_set_for_bridge_tolls_to_be_removed_1_1242938 |title=Date set for bridge tolls to be removed – Politics |publisher=scotsman.com |date=30 January 2008 |access-date=15 January 2012}}</ref> The abolition of the tolls was enacted immediately after a major reconstruction of the northbound toll plaza was completed.<ref>Granted planning permission in August 2006</ref>

== Suicides ==
In 2011, it was stated that around 800 people had fallen to their deaths since the bridge had opened.<ref>{{cite web|date=23 October 2011|title=Woman survives 150ft jump from Forth bridge|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/woman-survives-150ft-jump-from-forth-bridge-710828.html|access-date=4 April 2021|website=The Independent}}</ref> A report in 2000 stated that prior to then, four people had survived falling from the bridge.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bridge-jump woman pulled from water: Worries over court case blamed for river suicide attempt|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12241513.bridge-jump-woman-pulled-from-water-worries-over-court-case-blamed-for-river-suicide-attempt/|access-date=4 April 2021|website=HeraldScotland|date=18 August 2000 }}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Transport|Engineering|Scotland}}
*[[DoCoMoMo Key Scottish Monuments]]
*[[List of Category A listed buildings in Edinburgh]]
*[[List of Category A listed buildings in Fife]]
* [[List of bridges in Scotland]]
* [[List of longest suspension bridge spans]]
*[[List of post-war Category A listed buildings in Scotland]]
*[[Prospect 100 best modern Scottish buildings]] 
{{clear}}

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==

{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Forth Road Bridge}}
* [http://www.forthroadbridge.org Official website]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060228013534/http://www.feta.gov.uk/ Forth Estuary Transport Authority]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080518034412/http://www.forthbridges.org.uk/ Bridges Visitor Centre Trust – Home Page]

{{UK suspension bridges}}
{{Transport in Edinburgh}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:1964 establishments in Scotland]]
[[Category:Bridges completed in 1964]]
[[Category:Bridges in Fife]]
[[Category:Former toll bridges in Scotland]]
[[Category:Listed bridges in Scotland]]
[[Category:Category A listed buildings in Edinburgh]]
[[Category:Category A listed buildings in Fife]]
[[Category:Road bridges in Scotland]]
[[Category:Suspension bridges in Scotland]]
[[Category:Transport in Edinburgh]]
[[Category:Bridges in Edinburgh]]
[[Category:Firth of Forth]]
[[Category:South Queensferry]]