image for illustration: Fiona Newton
Scotland’s ‘Sharing 60 Years in 60 Moments’ invites all to join the celebrations to mark the official 60th anniversary of the Forth Road Bridge.
… Construction….saw Britain’s largest three construction firms collaborating…
Fourth Road Bridges writes:
Opened by HRH Queen Elizabeth on 4 September 1964, the Forth Road Bridge is 2.5km long and one of the world’s most significant long-span suspension bridges. With the growing popularity of the motor car, the need for a road bridge was first identified in the 1920s. Plans were put on hold until 1947 due to The Great Depression and Second World War.
Construction, which finally began in 1958, saw Britain’s largest three construction firms collaborating under the banner of ACD Bridge Company Ltd. The consortium included Sir William Arrol, who had been responsible for the construction of the Forth Bridge 80 years earlier. A special training school had to be set up in Queensferry to teach contractors how to spin the main cables which were made not far away by Bruntons of Musselburgh. Nowadays, a walk or cycle across the bridge takes in epic views as part of the popular Forth Bridges Trail.
Programme of Events
- Forth road bridge 10k (Pitreavie AAC) 18 August
Run across the Forth Road Bridge, starting at North Queensferry Community Centre. This is a UKA licensed event and the course has an official course measurement.
- Public exhibition – the history and future 4 September
A public exhibition on the history of the Forth Road Bridge and presentations on the future of the famous crossing from industry professionals. Full details will be published shortly
- Community celebration 4 September
A ceremony with local school children and representatives to celebrate the bridge’s links with the community. Full details will be published shortly.
- Vintage bus trips 7 September
A fleet of vintage buses will offer trips across the Forth Road Bridge. Full details will be published shortly.
- Forth road bridge doors open day 2024 28 September 2024
Free Minibus Tours to Anchorage Chamber
Guided minibus tours will depart every 15 minutes from the bridge office in South Queensferry. Tours will last one hour, stopping at points of interest along the deck before visiting one of the anchorage chambers on the north side of the bridge, where the main cables are anchored into the rock. Commentary will be provided by experienced members of staff from BEAR Scotland. There are 300 places available, to be awarded by a random ballot. There will be no charge for the tours, however donations to charity will be welcomed. All money raised will go to BEAR Scotland’s national charity partner Macmillan Cancer Support.
Apply for tickets via ballot
- The Forth Bridges Exhibition
Transport Scotland’s Contact and Education Centre will be open to the public from 9am until 5pm, featuring special exhibits and educational activities. Advance booking is not necessary for the exhibition, or to take a walk across the bridge. Everyone who attends either a bridge tour or the exhibition will have the chance to enter a charity prize draw for a once-in-a-lifetime trip for two to the top of the Queensferry Crossing’s main towers.
- Tower top trips
These will be separate to the free minibus tours. Full details will be published shortly.
