Forth Road Bridge Back Open To All Vehicles

The wind has caused severe travel problems this morning - although the Forth and Tay bridges are now back open open, and a limited service has resumed on the trains.

The Forth Road bridge was closed both ways for 7 hours overnight - after a 91 mph gust of wind overturned a luton van on the bridge.

The decision was taken to shut the bridge over fears the van could be blown from the northbound carriageway to the southbound road.

Barry Colford, Chief Engineer & Bridgemaster, said: "This driver put himself and other bridge users at great risk by attempting to drive a wind-susceptible vehicle across the bridge in such conditions. Incredibly there were no casualties, however the driver has now been charged by Police Scotland.

"The van was overturned on the northbound carriageway, however both carriageways must remain closed until the vehicle can be recovered due to the risk of it blowing across on to the southbound carriageway."

The bridge opened to cars only at 730am, and to all vehicles just before 11am.

Scotrail also cancelled all services across Scotland.

Train bosses posted this on their website: "Due to the severity of the overnight storm, ALL ScotRail services are currently suspended to allow Network Rail to check the lines are safe for trains to run.   At present we are advising customers NOT to try to travel by train.   Thank you for your understanding. We are working with Network Rail to re-open lines as soon as we can."

A very limited service has restarted on Fife routes.

An Aberdeen sleeper hit a tree on the line at Cupar this morning. The tree was cleared and the train continued slowly with its journey.