THE Forth Road Bridge could be closed to all traffic by 2019.
The Forth Estuary Transport Authority (Feta) has said that if corrosion on the main bridge cables is not tackled it will have to shut completely.
However, Tom Aitchison, chief executive of Feta, stressed it was still safe to use the 41year-old crossing.
He spoke as three reports crucial to the long-term future of the bridge were published.
Mr Aitchison said: "These reports set out Feta's position on the issues facing the bridge, giving a clear indication of the action we need to take."
He added: "The most important point to get across is that the bridge is capable of carrying traffic now and for many years to come.
"We are taking action now to prolong the life on the bridge as long as possible."
Feta has identified two ways of tackling the corroded steel cables. They can be wrapped in a neoprene sheath and air pumped in at various points, or main cables can be replaced.
It is being recommended that feasibility studies into both options are carried out, at a cost of GBP2.7m.
AlistairAndrew, Feta general manager and bridgemaster, said: "We are confident that . . .
we have caught the corrosion at a time when we can do something about it."
Feta is to fit acoustic devices to monitor the condition of the cables.
Last week it was announced that the bridge may have to close to heavy vehicles from 2013.
Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Tricia Marwick raised the issue of the condition of the bridge cables earlier yesterday in Holyrood. She accused Jack McConnell, first minister, of keeping Scots in the dark, saying: "I am just shocked by the executive's complacency on this vital issue.
"Today in the Scottish Parliament the first minister had the chance to tell us about this grave situation and chose to keep the public in the dark.
Not only did he fail to disclose this important information, but he also dismissed the SNP's demand to start planning now for a new bridge."
Mr McConnell told her it would be "daft" and "stupid" to start planning for a new bridge before finding out the exact condition of the existing structure.
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