Capital Projects:

Current works on site:

Work on the car park and associated areas has been progressing well and completion is expected at the end of June 2010 on the main works.  The only outstanding work will be to erect the access ramp and stairs located at the south west corner of the office building.

Background:

For several years it has been clear that the bridge authority’s car/lorry park at South Queensferry needs to be reconstructed and upgraded – partly because the surfacing and foundation of the paved area has failed but also to improve the environment for visitors and staff.  In addition, the area is used by the public as a route from Echline to schools and shops in the town, and the segregation and delineation of pedestrian routes through the area falls short of current standards.

The bridge authority has previously commissioned landscape architects to carry out studies into possible redevelopment of the site. The consulting engineers W A Fairhurst have now been engaged to develop an interim scheme to resolve ongoing safety issues, without compromising the long-term viability of any alternative options.

The scheme includes:

• Upgrading the designated car park area with markings, lights and walkways to current standards

• Securing the existing maintenance area in the southeast corner of the car park, with perimeter fencing and new planting between it and the nearby housing

• Secure perimeter fencing to dissuade children from accessing the car park via the old hotel site

• Bollards, lights and walkways to segregate pedestrians and traffic from the lorry park

• A surfaced footpath from the car park to the Shell garage

• Closure to the public of the steps adjacent to the viewpoint at the north end of the car park, with access instead via a new disabled accessible ramp that to the south of the bridge office

• Upgrading of the pavement/cycle track to the west of the bridge office outside the control room to allow proper segregation.