Plans have been unveiled for a massive new visitor experience that will let visitors climb to the top of the Forth Bridge. The Forth Bridge visitor centre and bridge walk were given a go-ahead by the Councillors.
The bridge is going to cost £4.2bn and will be a replacement for the existing Road Bridge. Experts have warned that there may be a need to close Road Bridge because of the erosion of its suspension cables. The new construction will see a bridge walk and reception hub on the south side of the UNESCO World Heritage site at South Queensferry.
Groups of between 12 and 15 people wearing safety harnesses will be taken out onto the bridge’s south cantilever. The group will walk on walkways built into the structure. A maximum number of three groups will be allowed on the bridge in an hour and each tour will last about two-and-a-half-hours.
The groups will also be briefed on the history of the bridge and will be able to climb to the top of the 100m-high towers. A coastal platform that dates back to 1903 called The Dalmeny Battery will also be altered to become a part of the experience.
The planning officers said, “The approach to the built development has been sensitive ensuring that that the scale and design of the new built form protects and enhances the character and appearance of the Queensferry Conservation Area. The interventions to the listed structures, the Forth Rail Bridge and Dalmeny Battery, are minimal thus ensuring that the character and setting of the listed building is protected. Adequate on-site car parking and key links to sustainable modes of transport will be formed with adequate on-site cycle spaces.”
The bridge is estimated to attract around 85,000 visitors. The bridge will be beneficial for the economy as well, as it will bring 35-40 new jobs. There are also long terms plans to create visitor facilities at the north end of the bridge.
Visitors could also access the top of the north cantilever via a lift. Network Rail Scotland’s director of engineering and asset management, Alan Ross said, “We are pleased to have secured planning consent for the project. The bridge walk experience will offer the public a unique and memorable visit to one of Scotland’s most loved structures and bring extra tourists to the town. We are fully committed to working with the people of Queensferry to deliver our plans sensitively and with as little disruption as possible.”
Altany Craik, Fife Council’s economy, tourism, strategic planning and transportation committee convener said, “This is really good news for the Forth Bridges Area as a whole. The Forth Bridges Area Tourism Group is working to deliver the Forth Bridges Area Tourism Strategy and as a key element of the strategy, we are delighted to see that this will be going ahead. This will provide a huge boost to tourism in the area which will bring economic benefit to both sides of the Forth as visitors come to experience the World Heritage Site and we look forward to seeing the new Bridge Walk experience being delivered.”
