Garry Viaduct’s £4.3 million Repairs Delayed Until 2028/29
Repairs to the Garry Viaduct near Killiecrankie have hit a snag, with the majority of the £4.3 million worth of repairs now delayed until 2028/29. Originally scheduled to take place from 2026/27 to 2027/28, the timeline has been pushed back due to other bridge refurbishment works requiring attention. Perth and Kinross councillors have been reassured that the bridge is safe, despite concerns raised about significant corrosion to bearings.
At a recent committee meeting, Liberal Democrat councillor Peter Barrett sought assurance that delaying the project by a year would not pose safety risks due to the reported corrosion dating back to the bridge’s construction in 1969. Fraser Crofts, the council’s strategic lead for Environment and Infrastructure, provided reassurance that the bridge is regularly monitored and that the repair timeline is appropriate.
The Finance and Resources Committee of Perth and Kinross Council made the decision to reallocate funding from the capital budget to 2028/29, moving £45,000 from 2025/26 and £1.645 million from 2026/27 towards the delayed project. The total budget for the Garry Viaduct project remains at £4.3 million, with the rephasing of funding aimed at aligning with the updated works programme.
While the delay in repairs may cause some concern, the council’s commitment to ensuring the safety of the viaduct through regular inspections and assessments is a positive step towards maintaining the integrity of this vital infrastructure. The complexities of bridge refurbishment highlight the importance of proactive maintenance to address issues like corrosion promptly.
In conclusion, the Garry Viaduct serves as a crucial transport link in Perthshire, and the council’s efforts to address repair needs, albeit delayed, demonstrate a proactive approach to infrastructure maintenance. Safety remains a top priority, and the ongoing monitoring of the bridge ensures that necessary repairs are carried out in a timely and efficient manner, safeguarding the viaduct’s longevity for years to come.