Eleven-week diversion as bridge closes for repairs
AN IMPORTANT community link will be closed for 11 weeks while it undergoes a £ 300,000 revamp.
Work is due to begin this month on the Soldiers Bridge which crosses the River Lochy between Black Parks Road, Inverlochy, and Lochyside.
A representative from the Highland Council ( HC) described the bridge as an important link in the community which connects locals and visitors on the National Cycle Network route 78, the ‘Caledonia Way’.
Access to the bridge has been restricted for some time following the failure and subsequent closure of the northern ramp. This ramp will be completely replaced with a new wider ramp. The bridge deck and handrails will also be replaced with upgraded materials.
The spokesperson continued: ‘The crossing will be closed for approximately 11 weeks from Monday March 27.’ The project is being delivered by Highland Council in partnership with Sustrans Scotland and Transport Scotland.
Paul Matthews, engineering and design manager at Sustrans Scotland, said: ‘The bridge is a key access point for locals and visitors and we are pleased Highland Council is to start maintenance work to help connect the local commu- nity and the National Cycle Network.
‘During the work, a diversion for walkers and cyclists will be signposted and we will be working with the council to help minimise disruption to local communities.’
The project was discussed at the Caol Community Council (CCC) meeting on Monday night. CCC chairwoman Jane Young said the feedback about the work on the Soldiers Bridge seemed to be ‘positive’.
Donald Elder, who is in the process of joining the council said: ‘It’s an inconvenience but it needs to be done.’
Ben Thompson, Highland Council representative for Caol and Mallaig, said after months of legal issues with the bridge because no- one would take responsibility for it, he was delighted the project was finally being carried out. He told The
Oban Times: ‘It is unfortunate the bridge will be closed as we approach nicer weather but when you know the background to the project it makes sense. The bridge is privately owned but it has taken the council to intervene and agree to do the work or nothing would be happening.
‘The whole bridge is being replaced so you can understand why it has to be closed completely. The bridge is important for the cycle route but also for mums and people pushing prams or walking with children. I probably have had more complaints about the bridge than any other matter. Considering the legal issues and the fact a structural survey had to be carried out, it is great news this project is going ahead and will be really worth it once it is done.’
He added: ‘Thanks to everyone who has written to the council and MSPs to emphasise how important this bridge is to Fort William. It is due to their efforts that we got the money to fix this.’