2 The Proposed Scheme

2.1 Introduction

The proposed scheme can be separated into three main sections:

the proposed new bridge (hereafter referred to as the ‘Main Crossing’);
road connections north of the Main Crossing to Admiralty Junction (M90 Junction 1); and
road connections south of the Main Crossing to Scotstoun Junction (A90/M9 Spur), together with enhancement to M9 Junction 1a.

Traffic management measures supported through the use of an Intelligent Transport System (ITS) which would be provided along a 22km corridor extending from the M90 Halbeath Junction over the Main Crossing to the M9 north of Newbridge Roundabout (M9 Junction 1). Overhead signal gantries along the corridor will provide lane control, variable mandatory speed control and incident detection. Strategic and tactical traffic information would be provided to drivers via variable message signs (VMS).

A full description of the proposed scheme can be found in Chapter 4 of the ES (Jacobs Arup, 2009a) and in the DMRB Stage 3 Scheme Assessment Report (Jacobs Arup, 2009b). A plan of the proposed scheme is shown in Figure 4.1 of the ES and a summary is provided below.

2.2 The Main Crossing and the Forth Road Bridge

The Main Crossing would comprise a new 2.7km bridge incorporating a dual two lane motorway with hard shoulders running on a cable stayed bridge with approach viaducts to the north and south. It would be located upstream of the existing Forth Road Bridge.

The Forth Road Bridge would become a public transport crossing alongside the Main Crossing. It would cater for bus and taxi services, and pedestrians and cyclists, with possibility for future adaption to accommodate a Light Rapid Transit (LRT) system in the form of a high quality bus network, guided bus way or tram system.

2.3 North of the Main Crossing (to Admiralty Junction)

Departing the Main Crossing, a new section of dual carriageway motorway would run northwards to Ferrytoll Junction supported by a viaduct.

Ferrytoll Junction would be fully reconstructed to cater for all local and longer-distance traffic movements, pedestrian and cyclist movements, whilst also maintaining access to the existing Forth Road Bridge. The B981 would be realigned in order to maintain access to North Queensferry during the construction period and improve the operation and safety of Ferrytoll Junction. Castlandhill Road would be realigned to separate local traffic from A90 traffic.

2.4 South of the Main Crossing (Scotstoun Junction to A90/M9 Spur)

A new 3.1km section of dual carriageway would be constructed around the west and south of South Queensferry, providing a link from the Main Crossing to the A90 and M9 Spur at Scotstoun Junction.

A new Queensferry Junction would link local roads (including the A904) to the new road infrastructure and the Main Crossing, whilst maintaining pedestrian and cyclist routes. From Queensferry Junction to Scotstoun Junction, the road would be dual three-lane carriageway with hard shoulders, constructed to motorway standard.

Dedicated public transport links would be provided from the Forth Road Bridge eastwards in the direction of Edinburgh using the A90, and from the A90 to the A8000 westwards to join a proposed bus priority scheme on that road.

2.5 M9 Junction 1a and Associated Improvements

Junction 1a on the M9 would be redeveloped to improve traffic flows and make better use of the existing junction. The improvements include new west-facing slip roads to better serve West Lothian traffic. The southbound section of the M9 would be widened to provide four lanes of traffic to complement the proposed improvements to this junction. An additional lane on the northbound direction of the M9 between the River Almond Bridge and Junction 1a would help diverging traffic.

2.6 Construction

The construction programme will be determined by the relevant contractors prior to the commencement of the works. Three contracts are proposed:

the principal contract for the new crossing and approach roads north and south of the Firth, along with the ITS to be installed over these sections;
a concurrent contract to improve Junction 1a on the M9 and the installation of ITS from Newbridge to South Queensferry; and
a contract to install ITS between Halbeath and Admiralty Junctions on the M90 in Fife.

The construction works are scheduled to start in 2011 and are likely to take approximately five and a half years in total, although some elements would be completed more quickly. The timing of the connecting roads and for Junction 1a are more flexible. An outline of the possible timing for the works is indicated in Table 1.

Table 1: Works Timescales

Road Connections North
Ferrytoll Junction and Mainline North	2012 – 2016
Road Connections South
M9 Junction 1a	2011 – 2014
Queensferry Junction and Mainline South	2013 - 2016

A Code of Construction Practice (CoCP) has been developed which sets out a series of objectives and measures which the Contractor must comply with throughout construction of the proposed scheme. The CoCP sets out a requirement for the Contractor to prepare and implement an Environmental Management Plan (EMP). The EMP would provide the mechanism for the practical delivery of environmental commitments, including compliance with relevant legislation and best practice guidance. This would include specific management plans including (but not limited to) the following:

Area Management Plan covering overarching site management issues;
Noise and Vibration Management Plan;
Dust and Air Pollution Management Plan;
Geology, Land Contamination and Waste Management Plan;
Surface and Ground Water Management Plan;
Ecological Management Plan;
Agricultural Management Plan;
Cultural Heritage Management Plan;
Landscape Management Plan; and
Pollution Incident Response Plan.

The Contractor is also required to develop a Traffic Management Plan and Marine Traffic Management Plan although these will not form part of the EMP.

Proposed locations for site compounds have been identified in close proximity to the principal works areas, namely Ferrytoll Junction, South Queensferry / Echline and M9 Junction 1a. It is envisaged that the main compound for the principal works, including the construction of the Main Crossing and its approach roads, would be located within Echline Fields, west of South Queensferry. Where appropriate, the Contractor will provide haul roads through the works for use by construction vehicles to minimise the need to use public roads. The Scottish Ministers will consult with local road authorities regarding access routes that may be used by the contractor to access the construction site.