RANGERS and Celtic fans are being reminded of cable works on the Erskine Bridge which could cause a 'particularly distruptive' long weekend. 

Ongoing works have been in place since August and are set to continue into next month.

Drivers who are travelling to and from the Old Firm derby at Ibrox Stadium are being asked to plan ahead and consider other forms of transport.

The project is necessary in order to protect the long-term integrity of the supporting cables, Scotland Transerv has said.

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.

“We would ask drivers to follow Traffic Scotland updates on Twitter for live traffic information and to check latest delays on the bridge before they head out."

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.

Andy Fraser, Scotland TranServ’s operating company representative added: “The Erskine Bridge is one of Scotland’s busiest river crossings, with more than 40,000 vehicles using the bridge every day.

"It is a constant challenge to balance the need to maintain the structure while reducing the impact of our works.

"Our aim, as always, is to deliver these long-term benefits to commuters, businesses and tourists alike with maximum efficiency and minimal disruption throughout.”