Motorists have been warned to expect lengthy delays on and around the Forth Road Bridge after it was temporarily reduced to a single lane in each direction.
The discovery of a defect to a steel component beneath the southbound carriageway was found during routine inspection work, and the lane closure has been ordered to ensure a full detailed inspection can be carried out.
Engineers and specialists will undertake a detailed inspection on Wednesday morning at first daylight, the outcome of which will inform decisions on whether any further restrictions are required.
And that means that drivers heading to and from Fife via the bridge can expect some lengthy delays – particularly during the peak rush hour.
Indeed, bridge operators have urged commuters to travel via the Kincardine Bridge if possible to avoid being caught up in queues.
Mark Arndt, operating company representative, said: “We’ve taken the decision to close the southbound carriageway as a safety precaution after one of our engineers spotted a new defect to a piece of steelwork.
“Unfortunately this defect is located in a particularly hard to access area so the full detailed inspection cannot safely be carried out in darkness or during high winds.
“Our inspectors will however be monitoring the situation overnight and we will be ready to move in as soon as conditions allow.
“We apologise for the short notice to these essential traffic restrictions and are aware that they will result in very long delays, so our advice is to avoid Forth Road Bridge and divert via Kincardine or the A9 and M9, use public transport or travel outwith peak times.
“We do sympathise with all drivers who face delays, however I’m sure everyone appreciates that safety must come first.
“We’ll provide further updates once our investigation is complete and we have information to share.”
A contraflow will be put in place on the northbound carriageway on Tuesday night on the grounds of safety and to prevent any risk of damage until the detailed inspection has been undertaken.