Forth Road Bridge inspected by engineers after steelwork defect discovered

A DETAILED inspection of the Forth Road Bridge has been carried out by specialist engineers following the discovery of a defect in its steelwork.

The southbound carriageway over the bridge was closed on Tuesday evening after engineers found the problem during a routine inspection.

A contraflow system has been set up on the northbound carriageway but motorists are advised to avoid the bridge if possible.

Commuters who did take the route were stuck in queues in both directions, facing long delays during Wednesday morning rush hour.

Traffic will continue to be restricted until at least Thursday afternoon. Abnormal loads are not permitted to cross while the contraflow is in place, but the east footpath has reopened to cyclists and pedestrians.

Here's a photo of Amey's engineers inspecting the defect on Forth Road Bridge earlier today: pic.twitter.com/bOIZ9lbalC

— Forth Road Bridge (@forthroadbridge) December 2, 2015

Mark Arndt, from bridge operator Amey, said: “A key structural component beneath the southbound carriageway has failed so it is important that we carry out all the necessary calculations before relaxing safety restrictions.

“Following the detailed inspection carried out this morning we now have the information required to develop both short and long-term solutions.

“Our team will be working through the night to design and check our plans and we aim to have these confirmed during the day tomorrow.

“We apologise for the disruption that these safety restrictions are causing. Our advice remains to avoid the Forth Road Bridge for the time being and divert via Kincardine or the A9 and M9, use public transport or travel out with peak times.

“Drivers did take heed of the warnings today and we would ask them to keep checking the latest information from Traffic Scotland before they set off on their journeys.”