Projects:

A 15-year programme of major projects to strengthen and improve the Forth Road Bridge's structure and replace major components is set out in the Bridge Authority's long-term Capital Plan.

The schemes listed in the Capital Plan are those that are considered essential for the maintenance and safe operation of the bridge.

The Capital Plan sets out to identify as far as possible the major improvement and strengthening works that will be required on the bridge over the next 15 years.  Many of the schemes are unique and some have yet to be fully determined in nature and extent and this makes estimating project costs difficult.

The announcement of a firm commitment by the Scottish Government to a definite programme for the construction of the Forth Replacement Crossing has allowed for a review of the Authority’s capital plan to be carried out.  This review is ongoing and its purpose is to examine whether or not schemes that cause major traffic disruption can be deferred.

The proposed use of the existing bridge as a dedicated public transport corridor after 2016 also allows a re–appraisal of certain schemes that are required as a result of traffic loading. The replacement of the expansion joints was the first of these schemes to be reviewed.

The Plan has been developed on the assumption that there will be no replacement of the main expansion joints until 2016. In addition, no allowance has been made for the possible replacement/augmentation of the main cables or any work on the main cable anchorages apart from the investigation into their long term structural integrity.

Carriageway or lane closures will be required to carry out many of the planned works and each carriageway or lane closure will be fully utilised to minimise the impact of disruption.  Most of these carriageway or lane closures will be carried out overnight.  However, weekend restrictions will be required to carry out waterproofing and resurfacing works and some of the expansion joint inspections.

Intermittent closures of the footway/cycletracks would also be required to carry out some of these schemes.  However, at least one footway/cycletrack will remain open at all times.