The Forth Road Bridge’s east footpath will be closed from this afternoon as it is turned into a building site for repairs.
Cyclists and pedestrians should use the west path while the east side becomes a construction site for ongoing repairs to the bridge’s truss end links.
Bridge chiefs say the change is necessary as work progresses on additional repairs at the north east main tower leg to allow HGVs to use the bridge again.
HGVs have been restricted from using the bridge since one of the truss end links was found to have failed last December.
Chartered engineer Mark Arndt, Amey’s account director responsible for the bridge, said: “We’re doing everything within our power to get HGVs back on to the bridge as soon as possible and I’m pleased we’re now ready to begin construction work at the north east main tower above deck level.
“This does however mean that it is necessary to close the east footpath to cyclists and pedestrians for their own safety and to avoid causing delays to these urgent repairs.
“Work is progressing on a number of fronts and it is likely that access arrangements will change again before these repairs are concluded.
“I’m grateful to all users of the bridge, especially HGV drivers, for their patience and understanding.”