Intelligent Transport Systems

The Forth Replacement Crossing (FRC) project will provide a range of Intelligent Transport System (ITS) measures to help regulate the flow of traffic approaching and crossing the Forth.

Indicative ITS gantry

The ITS measures will extend along a 22km corridor from the M90 Halbeath Junction over the Main Crossing to the M9 north of Newbridge Roundabout (M9 Junction 1). Overhead signal gantries along the corridor will provide lane control, variable mandatory speed control and incident detection.

These gantries will provide strategic and tactical traffic information to drivers via variable message signs (VMS).

ITS allows mandatory variable speed limits to be applied so that vehicle speeds can be managed during congested periods and in response to incidents. The system can automatically detect incidents and provide information on the road network.

The FRC ITS system will be monitored and controlled through the Traffic Scotland Control Centre in Glasgow.

Benefits of ITS:

Journey Time Reliability

• Automatic Mandatory Variable Speed Control and metering of traffic joining the carriageway will help maintain a consistent flow of traffic and limit congestion to make journey times more reliable.
• There is clear evidence from similar schemes in England and across the world that ITS increases the operational efficiency and capacity of roads.

Traffic Management & Incident Control

• During incidents or periods of congestion when demand exceeds capacity the system will set signals and message signs to inform and advise drivers to effectively manage incidents and reduce queues.
• Evidence indicates that automatic queue protection can reduce accidents causing injury by up to 13%.

Public Transport

• The ITS system will support the operation of a Public Transport Bus link between Ferry Toll and Queensferry. If the existing Forth Road Bridge is closed due, such as during periods of high winds, the ITS system will redirect bus traffic to the Forth Replacement Crossing and operate the hard shoulder as an integrated bus and refuge lane.