Falling ice on Queensferry Crossing: FOI release

Information requested

Can you please supply information on how many times ice fell from the cables of the Queensferry Crossing on to the road below over the course of the last winter – 2024/25?

Can you also supply details of what contingency measures are in place now if this happens, in order to prevent ice falling on to moving vehicles below?

Response

Ice was observed falling from Queensferry Crossing on one occasion during winter 2024/2025. The bridge was closed at around 0930 on 23rd November 2024 with vehicles diverted on the Forth Road Bridge until the risk had subsided.

Transport Scotland and BEAR Scotland utilise sophisticated weather forecasting models to predict when ice accretion is likely to occur. A procedure is implemented to patrol the structure during periods of forecasted high risk. Traffic management crews and trained operational teams are on standby 24/7 throughout the winter period in case mobilisation to site is required for closing the bridge.

A risk-based procedure is in place to allow dedicated Duty Managers to implement closure of the Queensferry Crossing at the appropriate time if there is a risk of falling ice.When such a closure is required, automated barriers are deployed north and south of the bridge to quickly and safely divert traffic on to Forth Road Bridge. The closure remains in place until the risk of falling ice on the Queensferry Crossing has passed. A successful practice deployment drill of the automated barrier diversion was completed on 9th November 2025 in advance of the winter period.

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