FOR THE first time since February motorists using the Forth Road Bridge can this week make the crossing without having to negotiate roadworks.

After the tolls were abolished in February the toll plaza had to be removed and a new road layout put in place that would allow traffic to flow as freely and safely as possible onto the bridge.

The Forth Estuary Transport Authority (FETA) took the opportunity to upgrade the infrastructure on either side of the bridge and a programme of improvements is now substantially complete.

Some traffic cones will remain in place on the A90 approach until a new system of signs is fully operational, but the remodelling of the former toll plaza is now complete

There is now a bus priority lane and a dual carriageway standard slip road onto the A90 from the Echline junction immediately to the south of the bridge.

It is hoped that these improvements will reduce delays for public transport and for traffic approaching the bridge from South Queensferry and the A904.

New holding areas have been constructed where the tollbooths once stood which will be used to hold back abnormal loads and high-sided vehicles that ignore warning signs and arrive at the bridge during strong winds.

This facility was sorely missed during frequent spells of windy weather earlier this year.

A new bus lane has been constructed between the north end of the bridge and the Welldean junction on the M90.

This was built in response to requests from bus drivers and passengers and will make it much easier and safer for buses to stop and then rejoin the flow of accelerating traffic.

FETA Convener Tony Martin said that thanks to these improvements the infrastructure around the Forth Road Bridge was now better than it ever has been.

“When tolls were abolished we said we were determined to make a success of the new arrangements, and I’m confident that this new road layout will allow traffic to flow as freely and safely as possible across the Forth Road Bridge.

“I’d like to thank users of the bridge and local residents for their patience while this work was carried out.

“I do appreciate the frustration that roadworks can cause.”

He added that without any more major roadworks planned for this year, drivers would hopefully start to feel the benefit of the improvement work.