Forth Road Bridge reopens before schedule but not for heavy lorries

Following the finding of a crack in the structure of the Forth Bridge, it had been closed to traffic and was taken up for repairs. That was supposed to be completed by New Year but, it has now been reopened to all vehicles except HGVs. Interim repair ensured completion ahead of schedule but, heavy lorries are still not allowed to use it until February.
This has been reported in news.sky.com dated 23 December 2015.

Transport minister Derek Mackay has indicated that the bridge has been reopened to 90% of traffic, well ahead of schedule. After rigorous testing and inspection of the temporary repair, experts have recommended that the bridge is now ready to open to all traffic except HGVs.
More than 70,000 vehicles normally use the bridge every weekday.
It may be recalled that a 20mm crack in a truss under the southbound carriageway, close to the bridge's north tower, had been noticed in the beginning of December. A steel splint has now been put in to repair the damaged part. Similar splints will be installed at the other seven truss end links. This work which can be done safely even while the bridge is open, possibly by overnight lane restrictions on the bridge.
HGVs account for 9% of overall traffic on the bridge but, they represent 32% of the weight the bridge carries. In the opinion of engineers, the bridge should reopen to HGVs by mid-February provided the permanent repair at the failed north east tower location is completed and the weather is favorable and no further defects are observed.
Once a new bridge - the Queensferry Crossing - opens over the Firth of Forth next year, the existing Forth Road Bridge will become dedicated for public transport, cycling and walking.

(Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org)

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