Forth Road Bridge closed until the New Year

The Forth Road Bridge in Scotland is to be closed until the New Year because of structural faults.

Transport minister Derek Mackay said the work on the bridge would take at least three weeks and that safety was "paramount".

A 20mm crack was reportedly found in a truss on the southbound carriageway, reports Sky News.

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Traffic Scotland has been keeping people up to date with developments on Twitter:

In a statement released by Traffic Scotland, Mr Mackay said: "The decision to close the Forth Road Bridge is not taken lightly. It is based on the expert opinion of the engineers who operate the bridge day to day and that of independent experts in the field.

"Every effort is being made to open the bridge as quickly as possible but safety is the main priority, however these works are weather dependent given the height and location of the bridge. We are aware of the potential economic impact, for strategic traffic in the east of Scotland and on people living in local communities.

"This is an unprecedented challenge in the maintenance of the Forth Road Bridge. On balance following advice from engineers and independent experts, the full closure is essential for the safety of the travelling public and to prevent further damage to the structure of the bridge.

"We are taking every step we can to lessen the impact of this closure. Action now will mean that any closure is much shorter than it might be if we waited. We continue to work closely with all partners to co-ordinate our efforts to lessen the impact of this closure.

"Additional bus and rail services are being provided between Fife and Edinburgh. Every effort and resource available is being deployed to repair the damage to the Forth Road Bridge and minimise the disruption to the public."

More than 70,000 vehicles use the bridge every week and, according to theBBC, 11-mile tailbacks were reported approaching the Kincardine Bridge, the alternative route across the Forth from Fife to Edinburgh.

It is hoped the 51-year-old bridge will reopen for commuters returning to work in the New Year.

The bridge is due to be replaced by the new £1.4bn Queensferry Crossing in about a year.