Bridge repairs delayed

ESSENTIAL works to the Queen’s Bridge in Perth have been delayed for years until after the multimillion-pound Cross Tay Link Road (CTLR) is complete.

Councillors have agreed to push back strengthening work on the bridge until at least April 2024.

Conservative councillor Chris Ahern questioned whether the works could be delayed again, with the surface of the bridge showing cracks.

He said: “We don’t know when the CTLR is going to be completed.

“Are we confident that the infrastructure of the bridge is going to last?

“If the CTLR is eight years away from being completed is that bridge going to last or are we going to be here again?”

He also raised concerns about the effects of river currents.

Council officers moved to alleviate Mr Ahern’s fears by saying routine inspections would be carried out and that the overall structure of the bridge was unaffected by the surface cracks.

The council r epor t stated: “Officers do not consider that the postponement of these works would present any unacceptable risks.

“However, officers will continue to closely monitor the bridge structures and should the situation change all relevant action would be undertaken to ensure the safety of the travelling public.”

The work has been delayed on the abovedeck element of the bridge to try to minimise disruption to traffic until after the CTLR is opened.

However, works on the below-deck section will be carried out in the coming years.