Damage concern prompts weight limit on bridge

Weight restrictions are to be lowered on a historic bridge north of Dunblane in a bid to safeguard it from lorries currently using it.

Residents in Kinbuck have faced disruption in recent years due to HGVs and large coaches passing through the hamlet, only to find that the 267–year– old structure is not suitable.

In December 2017, the Observer reported how the Cromlix Bridge was under threat by vehicles that are too large using it regularly. On a number of occasions the vehicles were forced to reverse and find an alternative route.

Stirling Council has now announced plans to reduce the limit on the bridge from 13 tonnes down to 10 tonnes due to the number of times the bridge parapets have been hit by large lorries trying to cross the category B listed structure.

It’s understood that the approach and turn onto the bridge often causes articulated and longer wheelbase lorries to catch the bridge parapet.

A council spokesperson said:“The tight apply to emergency vehicles, public buses and other specified vehicles operated by the council.

“The order has been published on the Stirling Council website, tellmescotland. gov.uk and in the local media, with information on how to make an objection before a deadline of March 6.

“There is no issue with the condition of the bridge.”

There have been further calls for better signage that highlights that the weight limit of the bridge are insufficient as the existing signs don’t highlight the narrowness of the bridge.

Residents fear these vehicles may damage properties or vehicles.

Dunblane and Bridge of Allan councillor, Alastair Majury, has been campaigning for better signage on the approach to the bridge. He said:“The need to introduce a weight reduction only serves to reinforce my earlier call that additional signs well in advance of the bridge are needed.

“I had been told that these would be in place this financial year and there is not much time left to get them installed.”

If the plans to reduce the weight limit are approved then vehicles will be restricted to 10 tonnes or less, with no access except for school and local service buses, waste management vehicles and winter maintenance vehicles operated by or on behalf of Stirling Council.

The current bridge dates back to 1752 but in 1715, 6,000 Jacobite troops crossed the River Allan around this point on their way to fight the Hanoverians at the Battle of Sherrifmuir.

New move Proposed to lower weight restriction at Cromlix Bridge bend in the road on the approach to Cromlix Bridge has resulted in it being struck by a number of long vehicles, causing repeated repair work. Toughened plastic bollards were placed at the entrance to the structure in an attempt to alleviate this issue but damage has still occurred.“As a result, a 10 tonne weight restriction on the bridge has been proposed as a safety measure in the form of an official traffic order. This would not