First phase of Tay Road Bridge roadworks ends – what next?

Restrictions were lifted in the early hours of Friday morning.

By Kieran Webster

December 15 2023, 8:04am

Motorists had to pay 60p to cross the Tay Road Bridge. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson.

The first phase of works to resurface the Tay Road Bridge was completed in the early hours.

Works, which have been ongoing since June on the Dundee-bound side, have seen the carriageway fully resurfaced for the first time in 57 years.

It is hoped this, and the replacement of 42 movement joints, will help make journeys smoother.

The bridge was meant to reopen in November, but this was delayed due to bad weather,

What happens next?

Drivers who use the bridge will enjoy no restrictions until March.

Phase 1 roadworks complete. We are delighted to be fully operational again, with both carriageways running freely. Please remember that the speed limit is 50mph on the bridge during normal conditions. Please take care on our lovely new northbound surface. @trafficscotland

— Tay Road Bridge (@tay_road_bridge) December 15, 2023

Then, on March 3 works on the Fife bound side will begin – a month earlier than originally planned.

Restrictions from that date will effectively be reversed.

Dundee and Fife-bound traffic will share the Dundee-bound side of the bridge.

The resurfaced Dundee bound Tay Road Bridge — The resurfaced Dundee-bound Tay Road Bridge. Image: Tay Road Bridge/X formerly Twitter

The crossing will operate with a contraflow with a lane open for traffic heading in each direction.

A 30mph speed restriction will be imposed and vehicles wider than 2.6m will be restricted from crossing.

Timescales of the works on the Fife-bound side of the bridge are yet to be confirmed but should finish in 2024.

Dundee City Council are also yet to confirm if any further restrictions or road closures will be enforced during phase two.

Councillor ‘pleased’ with progress

Councillor Gary Holt, chair of the Tay Road Bridge Joint Board, said: “While we are only halfway through this contract, I am pleased with the progress so far.

“This work is essential to keep the structure safe and in good condition and aside from a few minor incidents, drivers have coped well with what I know was an inconvenience, particularly for people who use the bridge every day.

“When work is completed in both directions next year the new road surface will provide a smoother and more secure journey across the bridge for drivers.”