Councillors looking to find long-term solution for Kirkcudbright Bridge closure
The council called for an emergency closure last Friday.
Dumfries and Galloway councillors are meeting today to identify a long-term plan for Kirkcudbright Bridge.
The local authority called for an emergency closure last Friday evening after receiving the structural report findings.
All vehicles have been blocked access until further notice and are to use the diversions in place.
Independent Councillor Dougie Campbell raised an urgent report for today’s full council meeting to discuss the circumstances of the closure and how to move forward in terms of reopening it and finding a long-term solution.
“I’m hoping that following the council meeting, the local community will know what’s happening next so that life can return to normal. I fully understand everyone’s frustration with the emergency closure due to concerns about public safety. But, in those circumstances, the council has a legal obligation to ensure people’s safety and to do otherwise would have been negligent.
“If the bridge can be reopened in some way, we’ll need to ensure that drivers comply with any weight or height restrictions. Unfortunately, this hasn’t been the case recently but if we want to have a safe crossing, this can’t be allowed to happen again.
“We do now have to prioritise new plans for a bridge which of course will require a major project and a significant amount of money, but it’s important that Kirkcudbright and surrounding areas have a bridge they can rely on.”
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