Commuters delayed after combine harvester accident on Forth Road Bridge

COMMUTERS faced lengthy delays on the Forth Road Bridge this morning after an accident involving a combine harvester.

The vehicle attempted to cross the bridge without permission at 2:44am, striking steels grills at the side of the structure and forcing a temporary closure of the southbound lane.

The vehicle had driven past signs requiring abnormal loads to stop and await permission before being escorted across.

Forth Road Bridge staff were on site at the time carrying out routine maintenance and were able to undertake immediate emergency repairs.

Repair work was finished and traffic restrictions had been completely removed by 7:30am.

However, the knock-on effect of restrictions during the morning peak meant that delays for bridge users continued well into the morning.

Fife Constabulary attended the scene and interviewed the driver of the vehicle.