Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Bridge will host opening ceremony
THE new bridge spanning the Dighty Burn between Broughty Ferry and Monifieth will host an official opening ceremony with a programme of activities.
It is part of the £18 million active travel route and opened shortly before Christmas.
The bridge’s completion will be marked with a midday ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 3 and cycling activities run by Dundee and Angus Cycle Hub from 11am-3pm.
Angus and Dundee City councils worked in partnership to deliver this upgrading of part of the National Cycle Network Route 1 (NCN 1).
Funded by the Scottish Government through Sustrans Scotland’s Places for Everyone programme, the coastal path project is designed to provide an off-road route between Dundee and Monifieth to create a safer environment for people to walk, cycle and wheel.
Angus Council’s communities convener
Mark McDonald said: “It is fantastic to see the results of the work to replace the old bridge.
“It was no longer fit for purpose and this five-metre-wide new bridge will serve our communities for years to come.
“There will be no more squeezing past folk on a narrow gangway – people can now walk, wheel and cycle at leisure, and perhaps stop to take in the magnificent coastal scenery, or even admire the new Dighty Bridge.
“Congratulations to everyone who has worked to achieve this important part of the wider coastal path project and I invite our local communities in Broughty Ferry and Monifieth to come and appreciate the fruits of that labour on March 3.”
Dundee City Council convener of fair work, economic growth and infrastructure Steven Rome said: “This impressive new bridge is a crucial component of the overall project.
“The benefits of cycling and walking
for our health and our environment are undeniable and I am so pleased that the new structure is making those activities easier on this section over the Dighty.
“I would encourage as many people as possible to come to the opening event. It is so exciting to see this transformational initiative coming on stream.”
Simon Strain, Places for Everyone’s head of programme for Sustrans, said: “The completion of the new bridge is a huge achievement.
“Its convenient and accessible design
means more people than ever will be able to walk, wheel and cycle between the two communities with ease.
“The bridge also serves as a coastal keystone for National Cycle Network Route 1, tying in neatly with the new 2.5 mile path and nearby flood protection works.
“Thank you to all those who took part in helping us reach this important milestone. I look forward to joining the opening celebrations on Sunday March 3 and hope to see many others there too.”