The weight limit on Kirkcudbright’s “cherished” bridge has been more than halved.
The council has been carrying out a series of inspections on the crossing, which is nearly a century old, to see what steps need to be taken to safeguard its future.
And that has seen the 17-tonne weight limit reduced to just 7.5-tonnes, with the local authority claiming drivers of heavy lorries have been “abusing” the previous restriction on the “weak” crossing.
The new limit is a temporary measure ahead of a structural assessment being completed in March.
Dee and Glenkens Councillor, Dougie Campbell, said: “I’m aware that a recent council survey on the use of the bridge identified a substantial number of heavy vehicles exceeding the weight restriction of 17 tonnes. If this isn’t addressed, it could potentially place the structural integrity of this already weak bridge and public safety at risk.
“Until now there’s been an expectation that the drivers of heavier vehicles, including some buses, farm vehicles and commercial lorries would ‘self-police’ and comply with the 17 tonne weight restriction and traffic lighting system, but unfortunately in some cases this appears not to have happened.
“And until a detailed structural report on the condition of the bridge is received in March, the decision has been taken to reduce the vehicle weight restriction to 7.5 tonnes.
“I’ve been assured that this measure will have no impact on the majority of road users, emergency services and pedestrians. The council and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have agreed a protocol that will enable the Kirkcudbright fire engine to cross the bridge when attending emergencies.
“In an effort to minimise inconvenience the roads department and the council’s public transport team have been in discussion on the impact to some bus services which will require to be re-routed and enter the town via Tongland Bridge. It’s unfortunate but unavoidable.
“Kirkcudbright Bridge has for many years been categorised as a weak bridge but is also a cherished feature of the town.
“The council will continue to take every measure to prolong the lifetime of the bridge.
“I expect it’ll serve the area for many years to come, but we do need to start thinking about how and when it’ll be replaced.
“The structural condition report due in March will give us a clearer indication of its expected lifetime and necessary vehicle control measures, however, compliance with vehicle weight restrictions will go a long way to extending the use of this iconic bridge. I would ask for the local community to be patient with the temporary restrictions over the next two to three months.”
The council’s engineering design team and consultants Mott MacDonald have been looking at the bridge, with inspection and sampling work now complete and a structural assessment due to finish in March.
There have also been three recent inspections, the latest of which recommended a 7.5 tonne limit for a two lane bridge or a 17 tonne limit for a single lane with traffic lights. If two vehicles over 7.5 tonnes approach, the lights are designed to flash to alert one driver to stop and let the other cross.
However, a council spokeswoman said: “Unfortunately, many vehicles were found to be significantly in excess of the 17 tonne weight limit. As a result, the council has introduced the 7.5 tonne weight restriction which was recommended in the last assessment. This is to protect the structural integrity of the bridge and thereby safeguard members of the travelling public.
“A traffic counter is being installed to gather data on the classifications of vehicles that are now crossing the bridge. This will confirm whether the new 7.5 tonne restriction has affected the behaviour of heavy vehicle drivers who were abusing the former 17 tonne restriction.”