50mph limit imposed on the A9 as bridge works get under way

A £530,000 project to prolong the lives of two bridges over the A9 has begun.

The work, on the Auchinlay Rail and Allan Water bridges, near Dunblane, will involve repainting the steel beams with a protective coating system which will help protect the steelwork from corrosion for more than 20 years.

Scaffolding has been installed around the bridges and beneath the decks, allowing safe access to the bridge components so that a new specialist paint system can be applied to the structure.

Repairs to the parapets will also be carried out, as well as work to improve access to the bridge for engineering teams, ensuring the structures continue to operate safely and creating a safer access for future bridge inspections.

The project is expected to be completed by midFebruary next year, with the A9 remaining open throughout. However a 50mph speed limit has been imposed in the area.

The essential maintenance follows on from improvements made to the two bridges earlier this year which involved replacement of the joints on both the southbound and northbound carriageway.

Andy Thompson, Bear Scotland’s north-east representative, said: “This £530,000 bridge maintenance project is essential to ensure that both bridges on the A9 near Dunblane remain in a good working condition.

“The bridge has been in constant use for 30 years without the need for any major repairs, however it’s now appropriate to carry out repainting works to prevent any significant issues arising in the future.”