Motorists have been warned to brace themselves for further delays and disruption on the recently-opened Queensferry Crossing right up until the autumn as a result of snagging works.
Contractors have until September 30 to complete a list of 23 unfinished jobs on the £1.35 billion bridge, although Transport Scotland has said most lane closures will take place at night and away from peak times to minimise inconvenience.
The structure opened at the end of August but one carriageway had to be closed for five days for repairs in November/December, with southbound traffic diverted to the Forth Road Bridge.
The Scottish Government has stressed the list of outstanding work refers to a range of tasks that have always been intended to be completed after the route opened to traffic, but opponents have raised concerns.
Work programmed includes painting, concrete finishing, commissioning and the completion of “architectural lighting”.
A Transport Scotland spokesman said: “The remaining work has a minimal impact on traffic using the bridge and involves tasks such as under-deck painting, which needs to be undertaken during the spring and summer months, the bridge control room, and work inside the bridge deck and towers.”
However, Scottish Conservative transport spokesman Jamie Greene said people who rely on the crossing will be alarmed by the prospect of further inconvenience.
He said: “Most commuters consider snagging works to be minor and something that can be taken care of immediately.
“If those are major works which require closure or part-closure then the SNP should be upfront with bridge users.”
Neil Greig, policy and research director for motoring group IAM RoadSmart, said: “Although this looks like a long list, I think most drivers will be reassured that all the final details for this huge project have been identified and are being worked on.
“The key for bridge users now is to know well in advance what impact these works will have on their journeys due to lane closures or other restrictions.”
Transport Scotland has also published a list of ongoing and planned work for the Forth Road Bridge over the coming months.
An intrusive investigation and inspection of the bridge’s main cables is due to begin in spring, while work to replace truss end links – the part which caused the emergency closure in December 2015 – is ongoing and should be completed soon.
Resurfacing, waterproofing and work to replace under deck access are among the jobs programmed for 2018.
