RAIL COMMUTERS using the main east coast line face unprecedented disruption over an eight day spell in July after it emerged the Forth Bridge is to close completely.

Network Rail engineers are to carry out vital repairs and maintenance to the 115-year-old structure from July 23 to August 1.

The news comes just days after the Forth Estuary Transport Authority announced major road works are to take place on the adjacent Forth Road Bridge this summer.

Although the rail bridge was closed for repairs over six weekends last summer, such a lengthy closure is unprecedented.

A spokeswoman for First Scotrail told The Courier, “Journeys are likely to take longer than normal and service frequency is likely to reduce. We will be publishing a full timetable nearer the time.”

She added that Edinburgh to Aberdeen trains would go via Perth and a bus service would operate between Inverkeithing on the Fife side and Dalmeny and Haymarket in Edinburgh.

GNER’s service between Aberdeen and London will also go via Perth. There will be a train or bus service for rail users in Fife heading north, and a bus service for those heading south.

As well as repairs to the bridge, Network Rail is strengthening Jamestown viaduct at Inverkeithing. Just how this will affect surrounding roads remains to be seen.