WORK on the Erskine Bridge this September weekend could be "particularly disruptive", with more people expected to head away for a long weekend.

Scotland TranServ is reminding drivers that essential cable work on the bridge this weekend will continue and to expect delays.

Ongoing works have been in place since August and are set to continue into October to protect the long-term integrity of the supporting cables, which are a key structural component of the bridge.

Peter McCann, Scotland TranServ’s Major Bridges Manager said: “This could be a particularly disruptive weekend, with many motorists using the Erskine Bridge and A82 to travel north for a short break over the long weekend.

"On Saturday, the Rangers versus Celtic game Kicks off at 12 noon at Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow. We would therefore ask drivers to plan ahead, allow plenty of extra time for their journeys or consider alternative methods of transport.

“This is an essential project that will help protect the steel cables from corrosion for many years to come.

"Following extensive consultation with Police Scotland, the local authorities and key stakeholders, the decision was taken to work weekends, reducing the impact on commuters and freight traffic using the bridge Monday to Friday. These necessary works were also planned for outwith the tourism peak.”

Temporary traffic management will be implemented over the weekends of work and drivers are asked to check Traffic Scotland on Twitter for live updates and traffic information.

Recent weekends have seen delays in excess of 45 minutes and the potenial for an added volume of traffic could extend delays further.

Works that had been planned for the A82 over the weekend of September 30 and October 1 have been rescheduled. Erskine Bridge contractors Spencer Group and COWI will therefore now work through that weekend, contrary to initial scheduling.