A free minibus service will help folk in Kirkcudbright get about when the town’s bridge closes later this month.
Experts from the council’s design team will be investigating what work needs to be done to extend the lifespan of the crossing, which is nearly a century old. That will mean closing the bridge linking the town centre with the Merse during the day between October 22 and October 25.
The bridge will be closed each day from 8am to 6pm, with a minibus getting people to and from the town and other drivers taking a lengthy diversion via Tongland Bridge.
A council spokesman said: “The study will lead to a better understanding of the current condition and load carrying capacity of the bridge.
“The road/bridge closure is necessary due to the need to use rope access methods to closely inspect every part of the bridge. The closure also allows samples of concrete and steel reinforcement to be taken.
The free temporary bus service will be in addition to current bus services. The bridge has seen a series of repairs over recent years. And last year a civil engineer expressed “huge concerns” over damage caused by drivers ignoring the 17-tonne weight limit.