Council reveals plans to rebuild battered Longforgan bridge

Plans have been announced to improve safety at a bridge over Huntly Burn just outside Longforgan.

The crumbling masonry which makes up the bridge has been ruled inadequate by Perth and Kinross Council planning bosses, who want to upgrade the structure.

Lying just south of the railway line near Monorgan Farm, the local authority plans to rebuild the damaged parapet using the same existing stone with new lime mortar.

Traffic chiefs say the bridge, located on a tight bend, is subject to “regular damage” from traffic.

The arched bridge carries significant amounts of traffic, but suffered substantial damage after a vehicle collided with the north-eastern parapet in September this year – something the council said the bridge has a history of suffering.

Large chunks of the brickwork remain in the burn beneath the bridge after being knocked in by a passing vehicle during the autumn.

This is to be salvaged and reinstated to keep the bridge looking as authentic as possible.

To protect the bridge further from traffic, the council proposes to install two protective bollards.

These will be made of cast iron, half-bell shaped and painted black, should plans be signed off.

The local authority needs to go through a comprehensive planning process before carrying out upgrade works due to the bridge being a Category C listed structure.

Council planning officers are expected to make a decision on the project early in the new year.