Scotland’s new Queensferry Crossing will have to be partially closed just three months after its grand opening in order to complete snagging works identified by the contractors.

The works start tomorrow and are due to last five days. They involve removing a layer of surfacing around the bridge expansion joints where there is currently a slight ‘lip’ to form a smooth surface.

This will allow the bridge to operate at a 70MPH speed limit – as opposed to its current 50MPH limit – by the end of December.

Scottish Transport Minister Humza Yousaf said: “Snagging issues are normal with any major infrastructure project on this scale and complexity. Having closely monitored the bridge since its opening our contractors have informed us that this work is required around the bridge’s expansion joints prior to moving to a 70MPH speed limit.”

The works require lane closures and will see all southbound traffic use the adjacent Forth Road Bridge while northbound vehicles continue to travel on the Queensferry Crossing at a 40MPH limit.

The Transport Minister added: “It is important to also note this work is being carried out under the existing contract for the Queensferry Crossing and is therefore at no additional cost to the public purse.”

But Transport Scotland’s announcement of the snagging works has sparked frustration at the additional disruption to motorists.

Scottish Liberal Democrat Alex Cole-Hamilton – the MSP for Edinburgh Western – suggested that the completion of the bridge may have been rushed to avoid financial penalties. “The reality is this bridge still is not finished,” he said.

Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser said: “This resurfacing work will no doubt result in lengthy delays for motorists this week and I call on the Transport Minister to ensure that this latest setback is the last.”

However UK Bridges Board chair Liz Kirkham commented: “Quite often at the end of a major project like this certain elements will be picked up that need correcting.

“Ideally nobody would want to have to close part of the bridge but if the issue has to be addressed for the structure to meet its design life then I am sure Transport Scotland is doing the right thing.”