THE Forth Road Bridge will be closed to traffic for four days as part of the ongoing project to replace the main expansion joints.

Now a public transport corridor, it will shut from 6am on Thursday December 3 and re-open on Monday December 7.

This will allow contractor American Bridge International to carry out concreting works, associated with the installation of the new joints, and reduce the risk of the new concrete cracking as a result of traffic induced vibration.

Chris Tracey, BEAR Scotland’s South East Unit Bridges Manager, said: “It is Transport Scotland’s ongoing objective to improve road safety on Scotland’s trunk road network and these works are essential to the proper maintenance and enduring safety of this structure.

“We apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused to road users or local residents by this closure.”

Motorway traffic will be diverted via the Queensferry Crossing.

Non-motorway traffic will be required to divert via the Kincardine Bridge.

The west footway/cycleway on the Forth Road Bridge will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists through this period.

Strict physical distancing protocols, in line with Scottish Government guidance, are in place to protect teams and ensure they remain safe on site.

Consultation has been carried out with emergency services and other relevant stakeholders to share information about the project in advance.

The bridge's main expansion joints are designed to adjust their length accommodating movement or deformation by external loads, shrinkage, or temperature variations, and allow for continuous traffic between bridge structures and interconnecting structures.

Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland on www.trafficscotland.org, twitter at @trafficscotland or the mobile site my.trafficscotland.org