Bridge travel plan - A985 restrictions changed

Motorists can start using the Kincardine Bridge again after Scottish Government Ministers reviewed travel plans imposed following the closure of the Forth Road Bridge.
09-12-2015. Picture Michael Gillen.  M876, A876 looking towards Kincardine. Approach road to Clackmannanshire Bridge and Kincardine Bridge at Higgins Neuk Roundabout. Forth Road Bridge diversions.09-12-2015. Picture Michael Gillen.  M876, A876 looking towards Kincardine. Approach road to Clackmannanshire Bridge and Kincardine Bridge at Higgins Neuk Roundabout. Forth Road Bridge diversions.
09-12-2015. Picture Michael Gillen. M876, A876 looking towards Kincardine. Approach road to Clackmannanshire Bridge and Kincardine Bridge at Higgins Neuk Roundabout. Forth Road Bridge diversions.

The restrictions on cars using Kincardine will be lifted at weekends, from Friday night.

The A985, which had been given over to HGVs and buses only, will now be open to vans from Monday - and the road will be open to all from December 23 for the festive holiday period.

The moves come as work continues on repairs to the bridge.

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The travel plan has been amended already as Ministers look at pressure points and act to try to easy the impact on business and commuters going to and from the Kingdom.

The original plan was to send cars across the Clackmannanshire Bridge, leaving Kincardine free for HGVs and buses.

Derek Mackay, Transport Minister, said: “The closure of the bridge has had a significant impact, particularly on small and medium sized businesses, and we and our transport partners have been listening to business community views since the travel plan was implemented.

“To address their feedback, from this Monday all commercial light goods vehicles will be allowed 24 hour a day access to the A985 priority route.

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“We have also responded to community needs, and so can confirm that all vehicles will have access to the priority route at weekends and outside peak periods on weekdays.

“We also intend to lift restrictions on the priority route completely on December 23 to coincide with the start of the holiday period.”

The changes have been given a quick welcome.

Andy Willox, Federation of Small Businesses in Scotland’s policy convener, said: “We’re delighted that the government has listened to the FSB and accepted the vital role our members play in keeping Scotland’s economy moving.

“By allowing vans and other light goods vehicles to use the priority route, more essential journeys can be completed is less time.

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“Tradesmen with deadlines to meet, wholesalers with shops to supply and couriers with customers’ Christmas presents to deliver will be spending more time doing business and less time stuck in traffic.”