A £1.8 million refurbishment of Craigellachie Bridge is to begin next week.
A temporary repair to the bridge was carried out in spring, after an inspection by Moray Council engineers found damage to the bearings underneath the structure.
Now a contractor has been appointed, major works will get under way, beginning on October 21.
The works include replacing the bridge bearings, repairs to the carriageway before it gets resurfaced and upgrading the handrails. The footpath will also be resurfaced and new kerbs added.
The work is expected to be completed by March 7 next year.
Traffic lights will be in operation for the duration of the works and the road will be reduced to one lane. It will fully reopen between December 21 and January 6.
Moray Council’s chairman of economic development & infrastructure, councillor Graham Leadbitter, said the upgrading works were vital.
“Craigellachie Bridge forms an important part of a strategic route through Moray for businesses, residents and visitors,” he said.
“The work to the bridge is a significant piece of essential maintenance. There will be some delays during the works, but I am sure motorists will appreciate the complex nature of the project and the long-term reliability benefits that the upgrade will deliver.”