Closure of Cardross Bridge as major works start on 250-year-old crossing

Major works start on 250-year-old crossing

Extensive improvement works are set to begin at Cardross Bridge

Extensive improvement works are set to begin at Cardross Bridge and secure the future of the 18th century river crossing.

Investment of £1.2m 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 work will necessitate a full road closure of the B8034 for six months from Monday 9 September 2024, with a diversion route in place via Thornhill.

A written update on site progress will be issued to affected community councils on a regular basis, with a series of business and community engagement events also scheduled in advance of the work and as it progresses. 

The project, which required Listed Building Consent, is part of Stirling Council’s £6.6 million investment in its road network this year.

It is one of 72 projects taking place across the Stirling area as part of the council’s commitment to maintain and upgrade its vast road and footway network that stretches more than 1,000 km. And it comes on the back of the council completing works to Blane Water Bridge on the B834 ahead of schedule.

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.

Cllr Jen Preston, convener of the Environment, Transport and Net Zero Committee, said: “The condition of the structure of Cardross Bridge has deteriorated in recent years and subsequent investigations and surveys have clarified the necessity for these works.

“The bridge dates back to 1774 and it will be repaired and strengthened sympathetic to its age and location, with engagement from stakeholders such as Historic Environment Scotland, SEPA, Nature Scot and Forth Fisheries Trust.

“We would like to thank all local residents and businesses for their patience and understanding during these essential works and we will communicate with them throughout the process. All efforts will be made to re-open the road in a safe manner and at the earliest opportunity.”

Work undertaken since 13 November

West pier cofferdam repair works are now complete and cofferdam has been fully removed.

East pier cofferdam works have been disrupted due to significant environmental findings. We are awaiting required statutory approvals from Nature Scot to proceed with the remaining works. Extensive erosion and structural damage has been discovered below waterline at this pier. Due to extent of repair required, together with extent of structural instability, specialist agreement and approvals are being sought from conservation planners and consulting structural engineers, these discussions and approvals are still ongoing.

Scaffolding to span 3 is now fully complete. Close up inspection of the upstream and downstream elevation has commenced to ascertain the extent of repairs required. Anchoring works to the arch of span 3 have been completed, with masonry repairs surrounding these areas currently being completed.

East pier cofferdam sustained further damage due to high water level at various points over the past 4 weeks, with the dam sustaining significant damage during storm Darragh.

East pier cofferdam repair works and associated work within the cofferdam remain on the programme’s critical path. If all environmental approvals have been obtained from NatureScot, and Dam contractors are available to return to site, then these works are expected to recommence from Monday, with planned completion by mid-January.  

Every effort is being made to reduce programme impact. Resourcing stonemasons and scaffolders to undertake weekend working has commenced and will continue each weekend to ensure some programme slippage can be recovered.

Due to adverse weather, high water level, the extensive erosion and structural damage discovered below the waterline at the East Pier, together with the significant environmental findings on site, there is currently an overall delay to the programme of 5.5 weeks. Once the east pier cofferdam repair has taken place, recovery of some of this lost time is more likely to be achieved.

Works programmed to take place over the next 7 weeks:

A 2 week shutdown will take place over the Christmas period.

East pier cofferdam to be repaired, all environmental and planning approvals for additional works obtained and all works to the eastern pier undertaken including erosion protection bag work, anchor installation, anchor grouting, indent repairs and vegetation removal and treatment. Remaining copes to be removed from all parapets. Scaffold to be installed across full length of the downstream and upstream elevations of the bridge, followed by repointing of external face of upstream parapet.

Overall Programme position:

On site works due for completion mid-April 2025. 

Bridge to remain at a fixed road closure for the full duration of the works, with no planned  Christmas opening due to health and safety risks.

The next in person community and business engagement events will take place at Port of Menteith village hall on the below dates:

  • Wednesday 11 December 2024 from 11am to 12pm
  • Wednesday 29 January 2025 from 11am to 12pm

The next online community and business engagement events will also be hosted via Microsoft Teams on the below dates:

  • Wednesday 11 December 2024 from 6:30pm to 7:30pm
  • Wednesday 29 January 2025 from 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Further or alternative meeting dates and times can be arranged by request.

Anyone interested in attending is asked to email environmentandplaceenquiries@stirling.gov.uk for an access code.

Our next formal written update will be published on or before 29 January 2025.

We would like to thank all local residents and businesses for their patience and understanding during these essential works.

Contents