MOTORISTS using the Kincardine Bridge are set to face six weeks of disruption in February when refurbishment work begins.

The two viaduct spans of the A985 Kincardine Bridge South of nthe Swing Span will be resurfaced, re-waterproofed, undergo concrete repairs and joint replacement in mid-February, subject to a budget allocation from Transport Scotland.

It will be the fifth phase of refurbishment work carried out since March 2015 that contractor Amey, on behalf of Transport Scotland, say will "further safeguard the longevity of the structure".

Phased lane closures - controlled by temporary traffic lights - will be in place throughout the duration of the work, after which further overnight closures will be needed to complete the reinstatement of the affected bridge expansion joints.

Amey say one lane of traffic will be maintained throughout the work, while pedestrian footways will remain open.

Traffic leaving Kincardine will be prevented from turning right onto the bridge from the A876 North Approach Road and will be diverted via the Longannet roundabout.

When night-time closures are in operation, east and westbound traffic will be diverted via the A977 Toll Road and the Clackmannanshire Bridge from the Higgins Neuk and Longannet roundabouts.

If the work does not receive the go-ahead to begin in February, it will be postponed until late March / early April.