The Freight Transport Association (FTA) says the early reopening of the Forth Road Bridge to HGVs tomorrow (Saturday, 20 February) is good news for freight operators, but the financial impact of the lengthy closure must not be forgotten.

The 51-year-old bridge, which carries more than 70,000 vehicles a day, closed to all traffic on 3 December, 2015 after engineers found a crack in the steelwork. Re-opening to HGVs weighing more than 7.5 tonnes has twice been delayed while strengthening work is carried out, with full opening re-scheduled for mid-March.

Transport Scotland announced that work had been completed and all traffic would be able to use the bridge from 11pm.