The operators of the Forth Road Bridge have launched a new website for the bridge developed and designed by Digital agency Blonde. The site features a range of live traffic information and interactive features.

Users of the bridge can now register at www.forthroadbridge.org to receive automatic alerts about bridge restrictions and traffic delays by SMS text or email. The service is  customisable, so users can specify exactly which restrictions or delays they wish to be notified about, on what days and at what times.

Current bridge restrictions and wind speeds are displayed on the home page. Automatic sensors on the approach roads give warning of delays as they happen and a range of webcams provide views of the traffic. The site also features a graph showing wind data for the previous 24 hours.

Aspiring engineers can take a tour of the structure via an interactive 3D model of the bridge. An illustrated timeline provides a fascinating history of the crossing, and the image gallery contains a wealth of recent and archive photography.

More detail than ever before is published on the maintenance projects required to keep the bridge safe and open to traffic.

Forth Road Bridge convener Phil Wheeler said: “This website offers users of the bridge some really useful new services and provides a fitting showcase for this iconic structure and its history.

“I’d encourage all regular users of the bridge to visit the website and register for traffic alerts. Once you’ve set these up you need never be caught out again.

“Anyone with an interest in bridge engineering or the history of the Forth will also find the site fascinating.”

Pete Burns, Blonde managing director says: "I'm delighted with the new website as it marries brand aesthetic with contemporary use of technology with a very practical application.

"This has been a fantastic project for Blonde to be involved with and we were lucky enough to win the account against 251 other applicants including overseas interest."