Lomond Bridge has been closed for next nine months - with traffic diverted through Balloch town centre instead.

Drivers face diversions through the town after the main route between Balloch and Gartocharn was shut due to the bridge closure.

Work on the £3.6million project is expected to last for 38 weeks, but the bridge will reopen temporarily over the summer before works recommence in August.

All road users, including heavy lorries, will now rumble along Balloch Road - which was refurbished last year as part of a regeneration of the area.

Bridge works were originally scheduled to begin in October last year, and estimated to finish in April, but were delayed.

Contractor Balfour Beatty Civil will carry out the project, which will include replacing the deck of the Lomond Bridge as well as repairing the surface of A811, which has been left in a state due to wear and tear.

A West Dunbartonshire Council spokeswoman said: “We are sorry for any inconvenience these essential works will cause and are working hard to ensure any disruption to motorists is kept to a minimum during the repair and refurbishment of Lomond Bridge.

“Diversion routes are via A class roads which have the capacity to accommodate additional traffic and advance signage detailing the closure has been in place since last year. We appreciate residents’ patience while we improve our road network and we will continue to liaise with them throughout these works.”

The local authority has also devised a traffic management plan following discussions with Transport Scotland, Transerv and Police Scotland.

They are hoping that it will help minimise interruption to motorists, and will be actively reviewed throughout the length of the project.