THE Kincardine Bridge is set to close next week as the final stages of a new viaduct constructed to replace an 80-metre section of the structure are near completion.
The work on the bridge, which crosses the Firth of Forth from the Falkirk council area to Fife, is part of a £16.85 million project that started in May last year.
A piled viaduct at the southern end has been demolished and replaced with a new reinforced concrete structure.
The new viaduct is similar in appearance to adjacent spans on the original bridge, with lamp posts and parapets from the demolished viaduct to be reinstated on the new structure.
Over the last year, a temporary bridge running alongside the original structure allowed traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists to continue using the bridge.
The A985 over the Kincardine Bridge will be closed to traffic in both directions from 8pm on Friday, November 15 until 6am on Monday, November 18.
BEAR Scotland, who are carrying out the work on behalf of Transport Scotland, said the closure will allow engineers to connect the trunk road to the new structure.
Traffic will then be directed over the new viaduct for the first time.
During the weekend closure, a diversion route will be signposted between Higgins Neuk Roundabout and the A985 east of Kincardine, via the A876 Clackmannanshire Bridge and the A977.
The east footway will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists.
David Bishop, BEAR Scotland’s Unit Bridges Manager, said: “The replacement of the southern piled viaduct will help to ensure the Kincardine Bridge’s long-term availability for service as a key trunk route.
“Balfour Beatty have made excellent progress and are now ready to disconnect the temporary bridge and tie in the A985 to the new structure. After this, traffic will run on the new viaduct permanently.
“A full weekend closure of the bridge is essential to allow these works to be completed safely. If you need to use this route on the weekend of 15 to 18 November, our advice is to plan ahead and allow some extra time for your journey.
“We’re grateful to road users and local residents for their understanding.”
The Kincardine Bridge was opened to traffic in 1936 and operated as a swing bridge until 1987.
It received Category A listed status in 2005.
In the week following the opening of the new viaduct, off-peak daytime lane closures with temporary traffic lights will be in place.
Works on site to remove the temporary bridge, complete the new viaduct and reinstate the site are expected to continue until Spring 2025.
The viaduct replacement works are being carried out by contractor Balfour Beatty.
