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Town-splitting bridge closure set to be lifted

BBC A bridge over the River Dee with a road closed sign and orange barriers and cones across it - houses are visible in the distanceBBC
The Kirkcudbright Bridge was shut at short notice following a safety inspection in March

A bridge that was shut at short notice - splitting a south of Scotland town in two - is to reopen to traffic.

The Kirkcudbright Bridge over the River Dee was closed on March 21, just hours after a safety inspection.

Dumfries and Galloway Council said a single-lane reopening for cars and small vans would take place on or before 2 July.

In the meantime it will remain shut to all vehicles but can be used by pedestrians and cyclists.

Getty Images An old arched bridge structure with water flowing underneath and grassy banks under an cloudy grey skyGetty Images
The bridge links residents in one part of Kirkcudbright with the town centre

Concerns have been raised about the impact of the closure with residents in one area cut off from the town centre.

They face a detour of about five miles (8km) to make the journey by car - via the Thomas Telford-built Tongland Bridge - or have to cross the Kirkcudbright Bridge on foot.

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".

A three-tonne weight limit and width restrictions will be in force when the bridge reopens.

A new 20mph speed limit will also reduce the impact on the bridge.

A man in a light purple shirt with grey hair and a grey beard and glasses is in front of road closure signs
Ian Blake thanked the public for their patience over the situation

Ian Blake, who chairs the council's economy and infrastructure committee, said he was pleased they would soon be able to reopen the crossing.

"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," he said.

"The reopening of Kirkcudbright Bridge will mark an important step in balancing public safety, heritage infrastructure and community connectivity."

He said they remained committed to ensuring it met the needs of everyone "living, working and visiting the area".

The council said it was working on options for a new bridge as a long-term solution.

A woman with dark hair and a greyish/green jumper stands in front of a cafe
Robyn Goodare said it felt like there was "more of a plan" now with what to do about the bridge

Local café owner Robyn Goodare welcomed the news that the bridge was set to reopen.

"It feels really exciting because it feels like there is more of a plan which is what people wanted to hear," she said.

"They didn't need an immediate solution but needed to know that there was thought going forward about what Kirkcudbright needs and wants.

"Knowing that people will be able to come across the bridge without damaging it any more that's the biggest news - they are actually going to take this weight restriction seriously."