TRAFFIC on the Forth Road Bridge has been temporarily restricted to a single lane in both directions due to a "defect" underneath the southbound carriageway.
The problem with one of the bridge's steel components was discovered during a routine inspection.
Maintenance contractor Amey said the closure is required until a full detailed inspection can be carried out at first light on Wednesday morning.
A contraflow will be put in place on the northbound carriageway on Tuesday night on the grounds of safety and to prevent any risk of damage, however motorists are being urged to avoid the bridge or risk long delays.
Traffic Scotland tweeted to avoid the bridge tomorrow.
*AVOID @forthroadbridge TOMORROW AM* @edintravel @FifeCouncil @ClacksCouncil @falkirkcouncil @midgov https://t.co/6eUeLdlc5S
— Traffic Scotland (@trafficscotland) December 1, 2015
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.”
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