Queensferry Crossing Towers to Remain Unlit for 4 Months During Lighting Installation

The towers of the Queensferry Crossing will remain unlit at night for nearly four months as new, energy-efficient lights are installed.

The three 207-meter-high towers will not be illuminated during the 15-week project to replace all of the bridge’s architectural lighting. Managed by bridge operators BEAR Scotland and funded by Transport Scotland, the work will start on Monday, July 29.

The Transport Scotland-funded project will see new LEDs installed to replace all existing architectural lights above and below the deck at the main towers. New collapsible lighting columns will replace the existing fixed posts at deck level.

The scheme has been developed to reduce running costs and improve sustainability through the installation of significantly more energy efficient lights. The new lighting system will also provide improved reliability, safety and future ease of maintenance and replacement.

During the 15-week scheme, the existing architectural lighting at the three towers will be switched off. There will be no impact on traffic as the street lighting at either end of the bridge will remain on, however road users and local residents will notice the towers being dark at night.

Most of the work will be carried out from the safety of the bridge’s central reserve during daytime hours, with no impact on traffic. Some overnight lane closures will be required for the delivery and removal of materials from site and access to lights on the overhead gantries, however no significant disruption to traffic is expected as a result of these works.

David Bishop, BEAR Scotland’s South East Unit Bridges Manager, said: “The existing architectural lights on the Queensferry Crossing are no longer available on the market and getting hold of parts and replacements is becoming increasingly difficult and expensive.

“We’re therefore replacing the lights with a new more energy efficient system.

“Technology has moved on in the 15 years since the bridge was designed and the new lights are expected to deliver an energy saving of around 80%.”

BEAR Scotland is leading this project as part of its responsibility for the South East Trunk Road Network on behalf of Transport Scotland. BEAR Scotland’s electrical and maintenance teams will be responsible for delivering operations on site.