Connel Bridge walkway finishes before deck closures

The Connel Bridge's new walkway is due to be completed in August, offering access to pedestrians while the vehicle deck is replaced in a series of night closures, beginning possibly next year.

 

BEAR Scotland, the road maintenance company working on behalf of the Scottish Government agency Transport Scotland, is installing a temporary cantilevered walkway to the east side of the A828 Connel Bridge to maintain access for pedestrians in advance of a scheme to replace the bridge deck.

 

The single lane Connel Bridge across the Falls of Lora is just 500 feet long, but it is a vital link for thousands of people living in and beyond Connel and North Connel, either side of Loch Etive. The traffic flow is approximately 4,000 vehicles per day, with four per cent HGVs.

 

Back in December, BEAR told us: “We recognise the importance of Connel Bridge to the local community in Argyll. The planned works to replace the deck panels on the bridge, along with other repair works undertaken in recent years, are essential improvements which will help to ensure the iconic structure’s lasting durability.

 

"Our indicative plan is for the deck replacement works to start in autumn 2024. We acknowledge the construction works will require significant periods of closures to the bridge which are unavoidable and will inevitably mean disruption for the community and those living in the surrounding areas.

 

"Along with Transport Scotland we will liaise extensively with local stakeholders, employers, businesses and communities. Through this two-way conversation and working closely with all who will be affected by the work, we will do our best to mitigate the disruption and agree on acceptable solutions."

 

In its latest update, BEAR said the walkway and service diversion works are programmed to be completed in August 2023.

 

BEAR is investigating the possibility of retaining the walkway as a permanent facility. The decision to retain (or not retain) the walkway would be made only after a full public consultation has been carried out.

 

Subject to government funding, the bridge deck replacement contract will be issued in autumn 2024. The existing concrete deck is to be replaced with a new steel deck using a series of night closures, with pedestrians given full access across the bridge at all times.

 

Until the new deck is installed, BEAR will continue to inspect and maintain the existing deck to ensure it remains functional to highway standards.