Forth Road Bridge Delays

2 December 2015, 07:10 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Traffic has been restricted over the Forth Road Bridge after a defect was found in the steelwork.

Engineers found the problem during a routine inspection and traffic was restricted to a single lane in each direction.

A full inspection will be carried out today.

Mark Arndt, from bridge operator Amey, said: "We've taken the decision to close the southbound carriageway as a safety precaution after one of our engineers spotted a new defect to a piece of steelwork.

"Unfortunately this defect is located in a particularly hard-to-access area so the full detailed inspection cannot safely be carried out in darkness or during high winds. Our inspectors will however be monitoring the situation and we will be ready to move in as soon as conditions allow.

"We apologise for the short notice to these essential traffic restrictions and are aware that they will result in very long delays, so our advice is to avoid Forth Road Bridge and divert via Kincardine or the A9 and M9, use public transport or travel outwith peak times.

"We do sympathise with all drivers who face delays, however I'm sure everyone appreciates that safety must come first.''