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, 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.”
The first in person community and business engagement event will take place at Port of Menteith village hall this Monday (2 September) from 11am-12pm.
An online community and business engagement event will also be hosted via MS Teams on Monday (2 September) between 6:30pm-7:30pm. Anyone interested in attending is asked to email environmentandplaceenquiries@stirling.gov.uk for an access code.
Updates on the improvement works
Work undertaken since 9th September:
On site works commenced on 9th September. Traffic management has been implemented and the site compound is now in place. Vegetation clearance, tree cutting and installation of bat boxes have been completed. Invasive species work has been finalised, access to water’s edge has been created and scaffolding work completed on wingwalls. Test panel of mortar mix has been undertaken and final planning approvals for specific construction materials have now been obtained. Removal of cementitious material from structure has commenced and areas of lime mortar repointing have commenced on approach walls. Cofferdam has now been installed at west pier, so that repair can take place. During installation, fish rescue operation also took place. Community benefits meeting between contractor and Community Councils took place on Monday 16th September 2024.
Works programmed to take place over the next 5 weeks:
Cofferdam to be installed at east pier to allow repair works to progress. Copes to be removed from all parapets and stored for reuse. Scaffold to be installed across full length of south and north parapets, followed by repointing of south parapet. Erosion protection bag worked anchor installation to commence at east and west piers.
Overall Programme position:
On site works due for completion in February 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 9thOctober from 11am-12pm.
- Wednesday 13thNovember from 11am-12pm.
The next online community and business engagement events will also be hosted via MS_Teams on the below dates:
- Wednesday 9thOctober from 6:30pm-7:30pm.
- Wednesday 13thNovember from 6:30-7:30pm
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 13th November 2024
We would like to thank all local residents and businesses for their patience and understanding during these essential works.