FIRST SCOTRAIL has reminded commuters to plan ahead during the current closure of the Forth Rail Bridge.

The train operator said yesterday, the first day of the closure, had gone as planned but travellers should still be prepared for delays.

Track owner Network Rail has halted bridge traffic until Sunday to allow engineers to repaint the steelwork, including areas close to the tracks. A fleet of buses will carry passengers between Edinburgh and Fife and many train services are rescheduled or diverted.

A First ScotRail spokesman said, “The contingency plans are going exceptionally well and the months of hard work leading up to the closure are paying off. Staff are in place, buses are in place and the timetable is working so we’re extremely pleased.

“But commuting will start on Monday and that will really test how things are going, particularly at peak times. Hopefully the months of planning will service us well, whatever happens.

“People should consider their journey and plan ahead, by referring to our timetable, website or by phoning National Rail inquiries. Obviously we apologise for the disruption but this is essential maintenance.”

Part of a £13 million maintenance project, the paintwork is expected to endure 20 years before it needs to be redone.

Network Rail are also carrying out a £5 strengthening of the Jamestown viaduct at Inverkeithing while the bridge is closed. Fair weather means work went to schedule, and First ScotRail is optimistic it will be finished on time.

“An eight-day closure was a better option than the alternatives,” said the spokesman. “We’ve had weekend closures before but it just means more time spent putting scaffolding up. Getting it done in one hit is better for our customers.

“Hopefully the nice weather will make sure everything is completed by Sunday.