The suspension bridge was opened in 1964 and the suspension cables are showing signs of deterioration which, it is feared, will lead to permanent vehicle weight restrictions as early as 2013. The STTA said that this could seriously harm business generally, and the timber sector in particular.
“It is vitally importnat that the Scottish Executive loses no time in deciding on an appropriate replacement for the bridge,” said STTA president Andrew Newton. “Regular closures of the bridge to goods vehicles during adverse weather are already having a harmful effect on businesses, on communities affected by diverted traffic and on the environment.”
