Queensferry Crossing to open on 4 September

August 4, 2017 4:09 pm

On the anniversary of the opening of the Forth Road Bridge in 1964, Her Majesty The Queen will open the Queensferry Crossing in 2017.

She will be accompanied by The First Minister who will deliver a welcome address, The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Rt Rev Derek Browning and The Scottish Makar, Jackie Kay who will read a special poem. There will be live performances on both sides of the River Forth to celebrate the opening of the new bridge.

The timetable is as follows :

First of all the bridge will open to traffic on 30 August
Those who have been successful in getting a ticket in the ballot for The Queensferry Crossing Experience will be able to walk over the bridge on 2 and 3 September
On 5 September there will be a community day, added on following demand by members of the public wanting to walk across the bridge in a once in a lifetime experience. 10,000 people from local communities in Fife and on the South Queensferry side of the Crossing will get the chance to take part.
6 September the Queensferry Crossing will be used by traffic only with no pedestrian access.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:

“It is very fitting that the Queensferry Crossing will be officially opened by The Queen, exactly 53 years to the day from when she opened the Forth Road Bridge. Importantly, this celebratory event will recognise the thousands of people who have been involved in the construction of the new bridge.

“The Queensferry Crossing is a symbol of a confident, forward-looking Scotland and – as well as providing a vital transport connection for many years to come – it is a truly iconic structure and a feat of modern engineering.

“The Queensferry Crossing Experience attracted huge interest from across Scotland and beyond, demonstrating the widespread excitement and pride in the bridge. I am pleased that we are able to respond to that demand with an extra day being set aside for pedestrian access so that more people from the local area, particularly young people, can enjoy this historic occasion.”

Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, added:

“Scotland will celebrate a moment in history on 4 September as the Queensferry Crossing is officially opened by HM The Queen. At this unique moment, the country will become the world’s first destination to have three bridges spanning three centuries in one stunning location. It is a time to not only celebrate Scotland as a nation of pioneering innovation, design and engineering, but also give thanks all those who have worked tirelessly to create this unique new structure.

“People are fascinated worldwide by bridges, whether it’s for their beauty, grandeur or breath-taking engineering prowess. The addition of the Queensferry Crossing consolidates the Forth Bridges as global icons of Scotland and we look forward to showcasing all three awe-inspiring structures to the world for many years to come.”