A SURVEY of businesses is about to begin as part of the feasibility study into replacing or augmenting the Forth Road Bridge’s main suspension cables.

The survey will aim to find out the economic impact of the disruption to traffic that would be caused.

It will be carried out by economic consultant Roger Tym and Partners of Glasgow.

Forth Estuary Transport Authority convener Tony Martin said, “Replacement or augmentation of the main suspension cables will only be necessary if current efforts to tackle corrosion using dehumidification fail.

“The feasibility study that we have commissioned aims to determine the best way of carrying out this work, taking into account safety, engineering issues and the impact of restrictions on traffic and the economy.

“The information provided by this business survey will be used to assess the hidden costs of carrying out such a huge project.

“It should also prove valuable in shaping future strategies for bridge maintenance.”

Earlier this year FETA published the feasibility study’s preliminary findings.

These concluded that the replacement or augmentation of the main cables on the bridge is technically achievable, but would mean years of delays on the strategic road network.