Soldiers Bridge revamp is completed

IMPROVEMENTS to a vital community link in Fort William have been completed.

Positive comments about the new-look Soldiers Bridge have been coming in, but concerns have been raised about the Inverlochy side of it which has not been upgraded.

Sustrans Scotland, on behalf of Transport Scotland, provided £400,000 of funding from its National Cycle Network Development Fund to replace the northern ramp and replace the bridge deck and handrails.

Sustrans told the Lochaber Times that due to landowner issues at the Inverlochy end of the bridge, it has not been upgraded. It said it would continue to look at further improvement for the bridge in the future where possible.

Sustrans Scotland engineering and design manager Paul Matthews said: ‘Soldiers Bridge is a vital link in the community and connects locals and visitors on the National Cycle Network Route 78, the ‘Caledonia Way’.

‘ We are delighted to see the improvement works complete and the bridge open again for use.

‘The upgrades to the Soldiers Bridge have been delivered by The Highland Council and a local access group has been involved in the improvements.

‘Due to landowner issues, the Inverlochy end of the bridge has not been upgraded.

‘However, the Inverlochy ramp has been in place and used for many years and remains safe and accessible for use by the public.

‘Sustrans will continue to work with the council and all partners involved to maintain and improve the route and consider options for further improvement, such as the southern ramp, where possible.’

A Highland Council spokesperson added: ‘Before the work started, access had been restricted to the bridge crossing for some time due to the failure and subsequent closure of the northern ramp. The new ramp is wider and the bridge deck and handrails have also been replaced.

‘ We thank walkers and cyclists for their patience during the works and for using the diversion while work was under way. Now the Soldier’s Bridge has re- opened, this popular route can once again be enjoyed by locals and visitors to the area for many years to come.’