Fife funding backlog could be bridge too far

Fears that £18 million is needed to restore region’s bridges

A new report has highlighted concerns that current resources are insufficient to tackle the backlog of bridge repairs needed throughout Fife.

The region’s economy, tourism, strategic planning and transportation committee has approved a rolling programme of bridge works for the coming year, with just over £8.6 million allocated to essential work for the period 2017 to 2025.

However, new figures suggest at least £18m is required to shore up or replace the 46 Fife-owned and eight Network Rail bridges which are said to be in need of action.

A pair of bridges in Leven subject to a three-tonne weight restriction – the Leven Sawmill River Bridge and the Leven Sawmill Railway Bridge, known locally as the Iron Brig – have been earmarked for closure as strengthening or replacement is considered “uneconomic”.

Ken Gourlay, head of assets, transportation and environment, said weight restrictions and other temporary measures on bridges have been a result of a “historic and persistent backlog of bridge strengthening and maintenance work” beyond the scope of the money available.

“The backlog requires to be strategically managed and continued investment in Fife’s bridge stock is necessary to counter long-term deterioration, to keep our bridges safe for use, fit for purpose and to minimise restrictions on Fife’s road network.”

Fife Council maintains 443 bridges and 281 retaining walls with a total replacement value of around £387m.

Significant schemes included in the newly-approved rolling programme include a £3.4m replacement of the B981 Broad Street Railway Bridge in Cowdenbeath to address long-term deterioration over the Fife Circle line, a £1.1m replacement of a propped culvert at the A907 Lyne Burn in Dunfermline and a £1m project to extend the life of the bridge at the A91 in Guardbridge.

A £2m replacement has also been lined up for the A955 Leven Railway Bridge which would remove the current 18 tonne weight restriction on the busy link between Leven and Methil.

Liberal Democrat councillor Jane Ann Liston welcomed an assurance from council officers that necessary repairs to the Leven Railway Bridge would not be incompatible with potentially reopening the Levenmouth rail link.

“Fife Council has shown more foresight, which I take as a good omen for future developments,” she said.

The backlog requires to be strategically managed and continued investment in Fife’s bridge stock is necessary

Picture: Steven Brown. Earmarked for closure: Leven Sawmill Railway Bridge has seen better days.