FORTH ROAD Bridge operators are reminding motorists to avoid the inevitable tailbacks during engineering works this weekend.

To allow engineers to continue an inspection of the bridge’s main cable, traffic will be reduced to one carriageway from 7 pm on Friday until 4 pm on Saturday, and again on Sunday between 3 am and 4 pm.

Forth Estuary Transport Authority said applying a contraflow was unavoidable while “high-level maintenance work” was carried out.

Barry Colford, FETA depute general manager, advised drivers who had to travel this weekend to consider alternative routes or take public transport.

He said, “We have liaised with the Scottish Executive and their trunk road contractors, so there will not be any conflicting roadworks in the Kincardine Bridge area while this essential maintenance work is under way.”

Mr Colford predicted “severe delays” on roads leading to the bridge while the contraflow is in place.

“This is why it is best to avoid travelling via the bridge,” he said.

Severe weather conditions, in particular high winds, could prevent the maintenance work from going ahead, meaning traffic restrictions could be cancelled at the last minute.

Mr Colford added, “If you’re planning a journey this weekend, tune into local radio stations or check with our special roadworks hotline 0131 319 1897. Information is also available on www.feta.gov.uk.”

Further restrictions have been scheduled from Friday, September 16, but there will be no carriageway closures on Saturday and Sunday, September 10-11 during the Leuchars Air Show.