Travellers to Edinburgh in Scotland - including those using Edinburgh Airport - face ongoing disruption to travel plans following a decision to close the Forth Road Bridge for emergency repairs, at least until the new year.
Some engineers have said it might take much longer to effect repairs.
Transport minister Derek Mackay said structural faults would take at least three weeks to repair and a contingency plan including extra trains and buses and possibly a ferry were being considered.
Edinburgh Airport is advising passengers that alternative routes from Fife could add at least one hour to their journeys, particularly those who use the bridge to reach the airport.
"Drivers will need to use the Kincardine or Clackmannanshire bridges," the airport management said. "However, this will add at least an hour to journey times - and potentially more due to congestion."
The time it will take to repair the Forth Road Bridge is unknown. It is not possible to reach the affected truss - under the southbound carriageway close to the bridge's north tower - in high winds.
The 51-year-old bridge is due to be replaced by a new crossing in about 12 months.
Travellers to Edinburgh in Scotland - including those using Edinburgh Airport - face ongoing disruption to travel plans following a decision to close the Forth Road Bridge for emergency repairs, at least until the new year.
Some engineers have said it might take much longer to effect repairs.
Transport minister Derek Mackay said structural faults would take at least three weeks to repair and a contingency plan including extra trains and buses and possibly a ferry were being considered.
Edinburgh Airport is advising passengers that alternative routes from Fife could add at least one hour to their journeys, particularly those who use the bridge to reach the airport.
"Drivers will need to use the Kincardine or Clackmannanshire bridges," the airport management said. "However, this will add at least an hour to journey times - and potentially more due to congestion."
The time it will take to repair the Forth Road Bridge is unknown. It is not possible to reach the affected truss - under the southbound carriageway close to the bridge's north tower - in high winds.
The 51-year-old bridge is due to be replaced by a new crossing in about 12 months.
