The Kincardine Bridge is undergoing a major renovation with the installation of a new viaduct to replace an 80-meter section of the structure. This closure is part of a £16.85 million project that began in May last year.
The southern end of the bridge saw the demolition of a piled viaduct, which has now been replaced with a new reinforced concrete structure. The new viaduct resembles the adjacent spans on the original bridge, with features like lamp posts and parapets from the demolished viaduct set to be reinstated on the new structure.
For the past year, a temporary bridge has been in place next to the original structure, allowing traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists to continue using the bridge. However, the A985 over the Kincardine Bridge will be closed to traffic in both directions from 8 pm on Friday, November 15, until 6 am on Monday, November 18.
BEAR Scotland, the organization responsible for the renovation on behalf of Transport Scotland, has announced that engineers will be connecting the trunk road to the new structure during this closure. Traffic will then be directed over the new viaduct for the first time.
During the weekend closure, a diversion route will be in place between Higgins Neuk Roundabout and the A985 east of Kincardine, via the A876 Clackmannanshire Bridge and the A977. However, the east footway will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists.
David Bishop, BEAR Scotland’s Unit Bridges Manager, emphasized the importance of replacing the southern piled viaduct to ensure the long-term availability of the Kincardine Bridge as a key trunk route. Balfour Beatty, the contractor responsible for the viaduct replacement works, has made significant progress and is now ready to disconnect the temporary bridge and connect the A985 to the new structure.
Following the opening of the new viaduct, off-peak daytime lane closures with temporary traffic lights will be in place for the following week. Works on site to remove the temporary bridge, complete the new viaduct, and reinstate the site are expected to continue until Spring 2025.
The Kincardine Bridge, which was opened to traffic in 1936 and operated as a swing bridge until 1987, received Category A listed status in 2005. The ongoing renovation aims to ensure the longevity and safety of this historical bridge for years to come.
