Disruption is expected to hit both the Tay Road Bridge and the Queensferry Crossing during Storm Eowyn.
A series of weather warnings have been issued across Dundee, Angus, Perth, Fife and Stirling from Friday – including a rare red alert.
Gusts of more than 80mph are expected to hit the region.
But how windy does it need to be to force the Tay Road Bridge and Queensferry Crossing to shut?
We take a look at the restrictions in place on two of the region’s most crucial transport links.
Wind restrictions on Tay Road Bridge
The following restrictions are in place on the Tay Road Bridge when it comes to wind gusts:
- 45mph: Bridge closed to double-decker buses
- 60mph: Bridge closed to all vehicles except cars and single-decker buses, and the central pedestrian walkway is also closed
- 80mph: Bridge closed to all vehicles
With gusts of at least 80mph forecast on Friday afternoon during Storm Eowyn, Tay Road Bridge bosses are warning of likely disruption.
A post on X said: “Please expect severe disruption to bridge availability tomorrow.
“If winds are as forecast it is highly likely there will be a bridge closure during morning rush hour and lasting most of the day.
“Please check our updates before you travel.”
Wind restrictions on Queensferry Crossing and Forth Road Bridge
The following restrictions are in place on the M90 Queensferry Crossing – the main route across the Forth for cars – and the Forth Road Bridge, which is a public transport link:
- 65mph: Forth Road Bridge closed to all traffic
- 70mph: Queensferry Crossing closed to all high-sided vehicles, vehicles with trailers, caravans and motorcycles
- 90mph: Queensferry Crossing closed to all vehicles except cars and a 30mph speed limit is imposed
- 100mph: Queensferry Crossing closed to all traffic
Bear Scotland, the contractor that looks after the Queensferry Crossing, has warned road users to expect disruption on the Forth bridges as well as the Clackmannanshire Bridge.
Wind can also lead to restrictions on the Friarton Bridge in Perth.
David Bishop, Bear Scotland’s south-east network manager, said: “Storm Eowyn is forecast to bring very strong winds that will mean restrictions on bridges in South East Scotland.
“Drivers of wind susceptible vehicles should pay particular attention to weather warnings and avoid routes with restrictions in place.”
More on Storm Eowyn:
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