Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP, Liz Smith, has expressed her disappointment at an announcement confirming that snagging work on the Queensferry Crossing will continue into the autumn of 2019 - a full two years after it opened to the public.
MSPs were told that delays had caused snagging repairs on the Queensferry Crossing to be pushed back.
Transport Scotland director Michelle Rennie admitted to the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee that the contractor “has experienced difficulties in mobilising resources and this has had a significant impact on his progress”.
An updated chart of repairs showed the slipping of a number of maintenance issues, including the commissioning of cable maintenance access cradles which would now happen in June, and bearing remedials a month later. Outstanding painting work won’t take place until October.
Liz is concerned that commuters could be facing up to two years of delays depending on the severity of these works.
Commenting, Liz Smith MSP said:
“The Queensferry Crossing is an architectural wonder but these continual snagging works will cause real delays for commuters.
“We already know that average rush hour speeds have not improved since the bridge opened and it’s important that the Scottish Government ensures snagging works do not add to these problems.
“There is building scepticism over this flagship project and its management by the SNP. It was billed as a national icon when it opened, yet the continual snagging repairs appear to serve as a metaphor for an SNP Government that promises much but delivers little.”