Motorists are spared chaos as bridge works prove to be uneventful

Drivers warned of further works in Perth city centre, however

Sports fans travelling to major events over the weekend escaped a repeat of traffic chaos caused by works on the Friarton Bridge.

It was feared the closure of the route’s northbound carriageway would cause “significant” delays for thousands of people travelling to watch the Calcutta Cup rugby match in Edinburgh – along with fans going to football matches involving the Dundee teams.

Concerns were raised after similar works in September 2016 caused largescale disruption.

However, the anticipated long queues failed to materialise, with motorists delayed for less than 15 minutes.

The Friarton Bridge works are the first of a series of anticipated disruptions to traffic in and around the Fair City.

A closure will affect Tay Street, South Street and Queen’s Bridge, the first phase of work taking place from 6pm on Saturday until 11.30pm the following day.

The second phase of work will last from 8am on March 11 to 11.30pm on Sunday.

Traffic will be diverted via Perth Bridge, Charlotte Street, Atholl Street, Caledonian Road, York Place, County Place, Scott Street and Kinnoull Street. There will be further local diversion routes in place.

The work will follow on from investigations carried out by Scottish Water yesterday.

It was originally scheduled to take place on Sunday February 4 but had to be postponed as other utility works were going on in the area.

Scottish Water contractor Socotec, carried out the work on East Bridge Street at the junction with Gowrie Street.

The firm insisted there would be no impact on customer supplies during the work.

Angus Findlay. Pictures: Motorists were delayed by around 15 minutes by the work on the Friarton Bridge over the weekend, above and top, but chaos because of sporting fixtures failed to materialise.