Work to repair a crumbling 250-year-old historic bridge in the heart of Stirling is on track to be completed by spring.
Cardross Bridge – on the B8034 – saw a £1.2million repair project begin there in September and as work progresses, Stirling Council has confirmed that the work is scheduled to be finished and the route reopen by mid-March 2025.
Motorists travelling between Port of Menteith and Arnprior have been left facing a 12-mile-long diversion since its closure, and that is to remain in place until work is complete.
The investment has been made by Stirling Council to repair and strengthen the category B-listed bridge, which carries the B8034 over the River Forth – between Arnprior and Port of Menteith.
The works have resulted in a full road closure for the B8034 since September, with a diversion route in place via Thornhill.
Stirling Council this week said that the works are still set to end in March, with a spokesperson adding: “We are keeping the community fully informed on progress with regular updates, the most recent of which was issued on Wednesday, November 13.
“We are also hosting regular engagement sessions, with the next due to take place on Wednesday, December 11.
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“We would like to thank all local residents and businesses for their patience and understanding during these essential works.”
The project, which required Listed Building Consent, is part of Stirling Council’s £6.6m investment in its road network this year.
It is one of 72 projects taking place across the council area as part of its commitment to maintain and upgrade its vast road and footway network that stretches more than 1,000km.
During the works, contractors will remove and rebuild the bridge walls and undertake a full repointing of the stone using traditional materials. Cracks will also be repaired, with works to protect the bridge from river erosion, as well as the installation of a new bridge deck.
The bridge will have a 10-ton weight limit when completed.
The road closure has impacted residents in both Port of Menteith and Arnprior, as well as the businesses located along the route – including holiday cottages and cabins and celebrity TV chef Nick Nairn’s restaurant, Nick’s at Port of Menteith.
The bridge was originally built in 1774 by the government from the revenues of forfeited lands.