Major works to resurface the Tay Road Bridge have been put back by four years.
Bridge bosses had been planning to carry out resurfacing works and expansion joint replacement from next year.
However, bridge engineer Fergus Wilson has revealed the work will take place between 2019 and 2021.
Investigations found the 46-year-old asphalt surface, and the expansion joints which are more than 20 years old were in better condition than anticipated.
In a report to the Tay Road Bridge Joint Board, Mr Wilson said: “Following completion of the ground penetrating radar survey and review of the findings, a targeted schedule of intrusive coring and testing of the asphalt surface was carried out.
“This confirmed the bond between the various surface interfaces was very good. The condition of the binder is also such that an anticipated further five to seven years (or more) of life can be expected with some maintenance.”
Maintenance repair works will be carried out on the carriageway and expansion joints this summer, costing £240,000, to ensure an extended life for both.
Around £3.2 million has now been provisionally included in the bridge’s capital plan in 2019/20 and 2020/21, with work being carried out on one full carriageway each year.
Bridge manager Iain Mackinnon said a contraflow system during the works was “more than likely”.
He said impacts on journey times would depend on the type of road layout put in place.
Meanwhile, heavy rain has delayed the completion of a new approach ramp on the Dundee side of the bridge. Construction of the ramps had been planned for last December.
However, the eastern part of the approach ramp, called South Marketgait Bridge, was delayed until January due to “design issues”.
It is now expected to be completed by the end of this month after being delayed due to “very wet weather” affecting the waterproofing of the ramp.