Football and rugby fans could face massive disruption at the weekend when half the Friarton Bridge is closed for roadworks.
It has been claimed the roadworks on the bridge at Perth could not have been planned for a more “inconvenient” weekend, with fears sporting fans and motorists could experience a repeat of the chaos that ensued when the southbound carriageway of the M90 span was closed for the weekend of September 3 and 4 in 2016.
Bear Scotland has confirmed the bridge near Perth will be closed northbound from 8pm on Friday until 5am on Monday, with a contraflow system operating both ways on the southbound carriageway.
The roads service provider admits that motorists may experience “potential” delays because of the “essential” maintenance works taking place on the bridge.
Concerns have been expressed that the work could again hit Dundee United fans travelling back from Livingston on Friday night and Motherwell supporters making their way to Dens Park the next day.
Saturday will also see Scotland host England in the rugby Six Nations championship at Murrayfield.
Murdo Fraser, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, said: “The last time the Friarton Bridge was closed it resulted in huge tailbacks.
“This weekend we will have thousands of football fans on the road and many more travelling down to see the Calcutta Cup at Murrayfield and the prospect of long delays will not be welcomed.”
He continued: “I would encourage rugby fans and anyone else travelling to plan ahead as there are real fears that traffic jams could be just as bad. It’s obviously important that surface repairs are made but the transport agencies must work together to ensure the least amount of disruption possible.”
Andy Thompson, Bear Scotland’s north east representative, said the roadworks had been planned to run over the weekend to “minimise” the impact on road users.
“These essential maintenance works on Friarton Bridge will help ensure that the structure continues to operate safely for all motorists and continues to function to the highest standard,” he commented.
“The traffic management is essential to keep everyone safe during these works, but this may lead to some potential delays to journey times.
“We encourage all road users to plan their journeys in advance by checking the Traffic Scotland website before they travel and allowing some extra time to reach their destination.”
The work will involve replacing some of the bridge components on the northbound carriageway.
The 2016 works saw massive tailbacks and led to the kick-off of a football match between Brechin and Dunfermline being delayed and sports commentator Rob Maclean stating it took him 90 minutes to travel from the Friarton Bridge to report on a game at Tannadice Park, Dundee.
