THE first commuters will take to the Queensferry Crossing this morning as it opens to the public.
On Monday night a procession of vintage, modern and electric vehicles drove on the £1.35 billion bridge to mark the symbolic handover from contractors to the Scottish Government, with a light show also held.
Today motorists will get their first chance to use the structure six years after construction began.
However, the new bridge will close again in the early hours of Friday to prepare for a public walk and a royal visit from the Queen on Monday.
After a short speech under the bridge’s north tower, on Monday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “I can’t tell you how emotional it feels to be standing on this stunning Queensferry Crossing.
“This bridge will be one of the greatest bridges in the world – no, scrub that, this bridge is the greatest bridge in the world.”
Meanwhile, the Royal Mail is to celebrate the opening of the 1.7 mile Queensferry Crossing with a special postmark.
The mark, which reads “Official Opening of the Queensferry Crossing Summer 2017”, will appear on millions of items of stamped mail across the country until September 6.
Economy Secretary Keith Brown MSP called it “a fitting tribute to Scotland’s newest icon”, adding: “It is remarkable to think that there will be Royal Mail vans travelling across the bridge, carrying letters with this postmark, in the coming days.”
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