Invercoe Bridge work due to start in December

Work to demolish and replace Invercoe Bridge will start in December with the search for a contractor now on.

The long awaited project has been on the table for more than a decade while safety fears were raised recently when cracks appeared on the concrete crossing, which goes over the River Coe on the B863 Glencoe to Kinlochleven road.

The £3million replacement plan was approved by Highland Council last week much to the relief of locals who have been campaigning for many years to have the lifeline structure made safe and fit for purpose.

Councillor Andrew Baxter said: ‘It has taken many councillors, both present and past, asking questions and highlighting the precarious condition of the Invercoe Bridge, to finally get the go ahead for work to start on its replacement.

‘Local residents have waited over a decade for the Highland Council to finally stump up the cash needed for this lifeline bridge. If this bridge had failed, it would have been catastrophic for both local businesses and residents. Invercoe would effectively been cut-off and Kinlochleven residents forced to add miles to many of their journeys.

‘Many of us were concerned that the traffic restrictions to protect the bridge would become a permanent feature, so I am delighted that we are one stage closer to work actually starting.’

‘It’s fantastic that finally going ahead.’

Highland Council is currently inviting tenders for the construction of the replacement 196ft two-span steel bridge that will serve Invercoe and Kinlochleven and also form part of the long-distance Argyll Coastal Route.

Work is estimated to take 12 months in total and a temporary this is

Councillor Andrew Baxter is delighted that work is scheduled to start on rebuilding Invercoe Bridge in December.

crossing will be put in place during the project.

A spokesman for the local authority said: ‘The contract will include the provision of a temporary road bridge, demolition of the existing bridge and the construction of the new bridge.’

Councillor Baxter is now looking for attention to be turned towards similar structures in the area: ‘There are many other bridges in my ward, including the Kinlochleven Viaduct and along Glen Etive that require repair,’ he added.

‘I will continue asking that they are at the top of the list, when the council decides some money can flow down the Great Glen.’