The day the bridge closed

The need for a new bridge across the Forth was never so apparent than in the dying days of last year.

The date of December 4 2015 will be forever etched in the minds of commuters and the road haulage industry as the day the Forth Road Bridge closed completely for urgent repairs.

The decision to put up the shut signs was taken following days of uncertainty for road users who faced long delays in contraflow traffic as experts fought to repair damage while keeping the traffic flowing.

During closure, a complex set of diversions was put in place, causing miles of motoring misery, particularly in Fife.

The bridge was reopened to all vehicles, except HGVs, on December 23.

A phased reintroduction of HGVs started in February.

It then fully reopened a fortnight later.