Queensferry crossing designers knew of falling ice risks

The prospect of falling ice from the new Queensferry Crossing was known about when the £1.7 billion road bridge was being designed, it has emerged.

Designers were aware of potential falling ice problems on Queensferry crossing

Transport Secretary Michael Matheson has also revealed that it will take up to six months to install sensors on the crossing to detect future build up of ice - at a cost of £430,000.

There are now concerns that there could be a race against time to have the new sensors installed before next winter.

There was an outcry last month when the three-year-old was closed for the first time over a two-day period after falling ice hit a number of cars.

The latest revelations were set out in Parliamentary Answers to Tory transport spokesman Dean Lockhart.

"The potential for falling ice from a cable-stayed bridge at this location was recognised and considered during design development," Mr Matheson stated.

"In common with practice on similar structures elsewhere in the world at the time, it was decided that this issue would be best addressed by developing appropriate operational practices, such as weather forecasting and visual inspection."

The order for the new sensors has already been placed.

He went on: "As it can take up to six months for the sensors to be supplied, it is expected they will be installed in time for next winter."

But Mr Lockhart added: "The SNP faces a race against time to get these essential ice sensors into place – at a significant cost to the taxpayer.

“Despite the SNP’s massive fanfare, this bridge has been beset by problems and snagging since it opened.”