Forth bridge reopens after lorry overturns but more bad weather due

 

The Forth Road Bridge reopened on Wednesday evening (11 January) after a lorry that had overturned in high winds that morning was recovered.

Transport Scotland said work to remove the overturned lorry and temporarily repair the damaged central reserve safety grillage between the carriageways had been completed ‘in difficult conditions’.

It warned that, although this work had allowed the bridge to reopen to all vehicles in both directions, more forecast bad weather could result in restrictions on high-sided vehicles.

Scottish transport minister Humza Yousaf said: ‘I would like to pay tribute to the engineers and workers who have faced up to some very challenging and difficult weather conditions throughout the day, to complete the work and get the bridge reopened as quickly and as safely as possible.

‘There are and will continue to be a number of severe weather warnings in place for the next few days. So, this is a timely reminder of the importance of listening to advice, checking travel bulletins before travelling and obeying VMS messaging, road restrictions and signed advice.’

Police Scotland said a 54-year-old man had been charged in connection with the incident. He sustained minor injuries.

Mark Arndt, Amey’s operating company representative for the Forth Road Bridge said: ‘It’s been a challenging day but our team has put in a tremendous amount of effort to get the HGV off the bridge and complete the repair work while battling with strong winds, rain and sleet.'

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