Bridge bosses said the crossing would open to cars, but not high-sided vehicles, from 3pm.
Edinburgh Airport remains closed, with bosses expected to make a decision later tonight about re-opening in the morning.
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Hide AdElsewhere, there have been tailbacks on the M8 and there is disruption to bus and train services.
The Forth Estuary Transport Authority said it was the "first time in living memory" that the Forth Road Bridge had been closed by snow.
Chris Tracey, engineering services manager, said: "The team has been working flat out to clear what have been unprecedented levels of snowfall on the bridge. Nobody working here can remember such an accumulation of snow on the structure before.
"The rest of the road network is still badly affected, so our advice to motorists remains to avoid travelling unless absolutely necessary."