Ann Mack (+ pic if needed)
A bridge on a scenic Highland route is the latest to benefit in a £10million replacement programme.
Following the replacement of five bridges on the A830, work starts to replace Criche Bridge at Arieniskill, nine miles west of Glenfinnan, on Monday.
The new structure will provide a widened carriageway and improved vehicle barrier containment and safety protection.
Five bridges on the A830 have already been replaced with new structures and the works at Criche will be carried out by Bear Scotland on behalf of Transport Scotland.
A temporary bridge will be installed as a diversion until works are completed. Temporary traffic lights will help maintain traffic flows and a reduced speed limit of 30 mph will be in place for the safety of road workers and motorists.
The bridge spans over an environmentally sensitive watercourse, which requires the replacement works to be carried out over the summer. However, due to relatively low traffic flows no major delays are expected.
Eddie Ross, BEAR Scotland’s North West Unit Representative, said: “We’re pleased to move onto the next phase of the bridge replacement programme on the A830, designed to improve road safety along this strategic route.
“As with the previous bridge replacements at Dearg, Utha, Garbh, Ranochan and Arieniskill we urge road users to take care when driving through the traffic management that will be in place at Criche Bridge.
“While we’ve taken steps to minimise disruption by providing temporary bridge for traffic, we’d advise motorists to leave a little extra time to complete their journeys and hope road users will be pleased with the results.”
Dearg Bridge was the first structure to be completed in December 2014, and was followed by the replacement of Garbh and Utha Bridges in late 2015. Ranochan and Arieniskill were the fourth and fifth structures to be completed in 2016 as part of the £10 million investment from Transport Scotland.