Engineers have designed a solution for repairing structural issues on the Forth Road Bridge, it has been announced.

A team of engineers from Amey developed the plans after a crack appeared on one of the bridge's truss end links.

It is understood the bridge will remain closed until the new year.

The repair designs have now been finalised, checked and verified by two independent specialist engineering firms.

Work is now underway to build an access platform to carry out the repairs.

The project will involve a plate welded repair to the damaged truss end link and jacking the link into position.

In addition, Amey is taking preventative action on another seven similar locations on the bridge to prevent any issues from occuring and structural monitoring systems are also being installed at these locations.


Chartered Engineer Mark Arndt, Amey's Account Director, said: "Our teams have been working 24/7 since the defect was identified a little over a week ago.

"Our design teams have finalised the detailed solution plan, the access platform is under construction and we've mobilised all the resources we need to begin the repair works.

"Progress of the repair work is vulnerable to weather conditions. Wind speeds at times make it unsafe for our people to continue but by having our personnel on standby at the bridge and by monitoring live wind-speed data in our control room we're able to get straight back out to work on the repairs in every available window and our programme remains on schedule for completion in the New Year."

Transport Minister Derek Mackay added: "Our priority is to get the Forth Road Bridge operating as soon as possible and our engineers are doing all they can to make that possible.

"They are working tirelessly on designs for the repair and are putting the equipment they need in place so that it can be completed in good time.

"It is difficult and technical work and the team is to be commended on its commitment to getting the job completed despite the weather conditions."

(LM/JP)