News

The next meeting of the TRBJB will be held remotely on Monday 11 September 2023 at 10.00am. The agenda and papers can be found at:

https://www.tayroadbridge.co.uk/board-business/board-meeting-minutes/september-2023-board-papers.

Members of the public wishing to join the meeting should contact Dundee City Council's Committee Services team at committee.services@dundeecity.gov.uk or telephone 01382 434211 by no later than 12 noon on Friday 8th September 2023.

UPDATE 25/10/23:

Please be aware that TWO-WAY traffic (contraflow) continues beyond the end of the bridge when heading southbound, with the restriction only ending near the Forgan roundabout. It is imperative that drivers STAY IN LANE until you see the triangular WORKS END signs. DO NOT CROSS THE DOUBLE WHITE LINES AT THE FIFE END OF THE BRIDGE.

All concrete repairs are now finished and waterproofing is approximately 90% complete. The inner (lane 2) HB kerbs have been installed across the full length of the 2.25km bridge and outer Trief kerb (lane 1) installation has commenced, with 500m of this specialist kerb now in place. Surfacing is due to commence in early November, after which 42 movement joints will be installed. The current target completion date for the works is now 15 December, which is  slightly behind our original programme. This delay is due to additional concrete repairs being undertaken on exposure of the top of the deck, along with disruption caused by the inclement weather. We apologise to all of our users for the disruption our works are causing. 

Description of works:

The northbound carriageway is closed completely for major resurfacing and movement joint replacement. All traffic will be diverted onto the southbound carriageway, where both northbound and southbound traffic will use one lane each, travelling in opposite directions separated by marker posts in a contraflow arrangement. Please be aware that the contraflow (two-way traffic) continues beyond the end of the bridge when heading southbound, with the restriction ending near the Forgan roundabout. It is important that drivers STAY IN LANE until you see the road works end signs. Plans showing the contraflow arrangement and the impact it will have on local access are shown below. Diversions will be sign posted. Station Brae in Newport-on-Tay will remain open for access north (Dundee) only. 

No vehicles or loads over 2.6m wide will be able to use the crossing (this does not include wing mirrors).

If you are the driver of an agricultural vehicle, please phone the bridge for advice before crossing if you have any concerns.

If you breakdown on the bridge, please stay in your vehicle and await free rescue. We will have onsite breakdown recovery.

The works see the original 1966 surface completely removed down to the concrete bridge deck and waterproofing applied before a new asphalt surface is laid on top. In addition, 92 new expansion or movement joints will also be installed.

The shared path will remain open in both directions at most times but may be subject to some restrictions during certain work activities. Users can keep up to date with the works on the bridge’s twitter account @tay_road_bridge and via our website.

FAQ's

What work is planned?

The original 1966 surface will be completely removed down to the concrete bridge deck and waterproofing applied before a new asphalt surface is laid on top. In addition, 92 new expansion or movement joints will also be installed.

Why is this work needed?

These works are required to keep the bridge in good condition and safe to use for all users. The road surface has never been completely replaced and the joints are nearing the end of their natural life, having last been replaced between 30 and 36 years ago. A new road surface will provide a safer and smoother journey across the bridge for users.

When will this work take place?

As a major project dependent on weather and other external factors, work will start on 12 June 2023, with the northbound carriageway closing for resurfacing, with completion expected in November 2023. The bridge will then fully reopen until spring 2024, when the opposite (southbound) carriageway will be closed for resurfacing. This will result in carriageway closures and traffic management arrangements on the bridge for an estimated total of 12 months over 2023 and 2024.

What does it mean for bridge users?

The bridge will be accessible for most vehicle types, although not abnormal loads, but crossing will be via a contraflow arrangement, where one full carriageway will be closed for a substantial part of 2023 and 2024. Both Fife and Dundee-bound traffic will use the remaining carriageway on a single lane basis, with traffic going in opposite directions separated by reflective marker posts. The current plan is that the shared path will remain open in both directions at most times but may be subject to temporary closure during certain work activities. Bridge users must expect delays to their journey during these essential works. Users trying to get to Tayport and Newport via the B946 and A92 will be diverted and diversionary signs will be in place.

Have you considered alternative arrangements?

As part of the extensive planning and preparation that is being carried out for these works the Tay Road Bridge Joint Board commissioned an appraisal of alternative transport options. The detailed and thorough process looked at measures which could reduce the impact on bridge users because of the works.

Likely congestion and with it delays, can best be addressed by reducing the number of private cars, particularly those with single occupancy, crossing the bridge at peak times. A total of 21 options, to achieve this were considered. These mostly fell into three categories – bus, rail, park and ride/stride, although reinstatement of tolls and ferries were also included.

When the options were evaluated, as well as the aim of reducing peak time traffic, the consultants also considered practicality, value for money and opportunities for making longer-term improvements.

Why will speed limits be imposed?

A maximum speed limit of 30mph will be in place along the length of the bridge. This will protect bridge users and contractors working on the site. The speed limit will also reduce delays as lower speeds have been shown to result in less damage to the marker posts. This means less temporary lane closures while TRBJB staff make good the marker posts. Enabling works have been undertaken to remove kerbing at the access/egress points to the carriageways to slightly improve carriageway width.