• Crossing connecting Kirkliston, South Queensferry and Edinburgh completed
• State-of-the-art reinforcement to ensure long lifespan
• Designed to include improved walking and cycling access

A new bridge crossing the A90 near Kirkliston will open today (Wednesday, 29 July) following 11 months of construction.

Our major project to replace the previous Burnshot Bridge got underway last year after the demolition of the original bridge, built in 1964, for safety reasons.

More than 200 engineers, designers and other staff from the Council and contractor Balfour Beatty have been involved in building the new crossing, which measures 33m wide and includes state-of-the-art stainless-steel reinforcement to maximise lifespan, expected to be 120 years.

Our design also incorporates improved cycling and pedestrian facilities, designed with input from active travel groups, including a segregated eastbound cycle lane and a shared use path.

Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “I’m delighted that the brand new Burnshot Bridge will open to pedestrians, cyclists and motorists this week, and I know the local community will be just as pleased to see this important link restored.

“This has been an extremely complex project and its thanks to the very hard work of the many people involved in its completion that we’ll now be able to walk, wheel, cycle and drive on this key route again.”

Balfour Beatty Contract Director, Keith MacDonald, said: “We are delighted that the complex construction works to rebuild the Burnshot Bridge in Kirkliston have now reached completion, with works procured through the Scape National Civil Engineering and Infrastructure framework.

“It is testament to the team’s safety and expertise that over 48,000 hours have been spent on site without any lost time to injury. Having installed enhanced pedestrian and cycle infrastructure, we are confident that the bridge will improve the journeys for both motorists and active travellers for many years to come.”

We demolished the former Burnshot Bridge in 2017 after the discovery of deteriorating joints leading to the design of an improved concrete replacement to facilitate travel between Kirkliston, South Queensferry and Edinburgh.

Along with construction projects across the country we were required to halt work on the scheme between March and June as part of the city’s response to the COVID-19 crisis.

The bridge will open around midday on Wednesday, 29 July.