Kirkcubright Bridge reopening update
Date set for when some traffic will be allowed to cross again
Nearly two months after engineers ordered an emergency closure a date is being announced for when traffic will be allowed to use the Kirkcudbright Bridge again.
It'll be a relief for people in the town which has been effectively cut in two with drivers being forced to use a long diversion via the A75 to do journeys across the River Dee which used to take minutes.
The one-hundred-year-old concrete bridge was closed on March 21, just hours after a safety inspection.
Cars and light vans will be able to use the cross again from the 2nd of July.
Dumfries and Galloway Council said the decision to reopen the bridge followed "rigorous technical assessment and analysis by the council's engineering team and its engineering consultant, Mott MacDonald".
Strict weight limit
A new 20mph speed limit will also reduce the impact on the bridge.
The bridge will have a strict three ton weight limit, and traffic lights will be set up so that its used for single file traffic.
The council says this is a short term fix and its still working on options for a new bridge as a permanent solution.
Long term solutions
Councillor Ian Blake, Chair of the council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said: “I am pleased that we have reached a position where we will soon be able to safely reopen Kirkcudbright Bridge to cars and light vans.
“I would like to thank the public, residents and businesses for their patience and understanding while this important analysis and assessment work has been carried out.
“The safety of members of the public is Dumfries and Galloway Council’s number-one priority. The reopening of Kirkcudbright Bridge will mark an important step in balancing public safety, heritage infrastructure and community connectivity.
“Our council recognises Kirkcudbright Bridge as a strategic priority and we remain committed to ensuring short, medium- and long-term options meet the needs of those living, working and visiting the area.
“I welcome the drop-in sessions as part of our commitment to provide regular updates about Kirkcudbright Bridge and give members of the public the opportunity to ask questions.”
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