Bridge ban for lorries

Heavy vehicles are to be stopped from crossing the Forth Road Bridge for one night this week.

Vehicles over 72 tonnes will not be permitted to cross the Forth Road Bridge between 10pm on January 26, and 4am on January 27.

Drivers of "abnormal loads" are being asked to report to Bridge Control as normal, and operators have insisted that normal traffic will not affected.

This closure is to allow engineers to jack up the deck, a vital part of work to allow the replacement of bearings in the approach viaducts.

Depending on progress, similar restrictions may be required on the night of 27-28 January.

It is estimated that approximately 20 further similar restrictions will be required before May 2012 in order to complete the viaduct bearings replacement project. Details of further closures will be published as dates are confirmed.