Bridge Defect 'Not A Worry' For Drivers

A potential structural defect under the southbound carriageway of the Forth Road Bridge is nothing for drivers to worry about, according to engineers.

They are preparing to investigate the fault, which was spotted yesterday during a routine inspection.

Drivers are being urged to avoid the area, and divert via the Kincardine bridge or the M9.

Chris Waite from bridge operators Amey spoke to Kingdom FM News:

Mark Arndt, Operating Company Representative, 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 overnight 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.”
 
"We’ll provide further updates once our investigation is complete and we have information to share."