Residents of Kirkcudbright will have access to a free minibus service during the upcoming closure of the town’s bridge later this month. The closure is necessary to allow experts from the council’s design team to conduct investigations into the condition of the nearly century-old bridge and determine what work is required to extend its lifespan.
The bridge, which connects the town centre with the Merse, will be closed each day from October 22 to October 25, from 8 am to 6 pm. During this time, a minibus will shuttle people to and from the town, while other drivers will need to take a longer route via Tongland Bridge. The closure is essential to facilitate a comprehensive inspection of the bridge using rope access methods, including taking samples of concrete and steel reinforcement.
A council spokesman explained, “The study will lead to a better understanding of the current condition and load-carrying capacity of the bridge.” Efforts have been made to minimize disruption to the community during this period. The bridge has undergone multiple repairs in recent years, with concerns raised by a civil engineer last year regarding damage caused by vehicles exceeding the 17-tonne weight limit.
The free temporary bus service will operate in addition to the existing bus services. The investigation aims to determine the bridge’s current load-carrying capacity, which will inform future decisions about its maintenance and usage. Residents are encouraged to utilize the temporary transportation arrangements to ensure smooth commutes during the bridge closure period.