A section of a bridge in Croftamie remains “fit for use” after it partially collapsed last year as the council attempt to carry out repairs and re-open the route.
In October last year, the A809 road through Croftamie was shut, from the B834 to the A811, after a section of wall and pavement at Catter Burn Bridge partially collapsed.
The bridge sits on the Glasgow side of the village and is the main link between Glasgow and East Loch Lomondside.
At the time of the collapse and closure, one concerned resident contacted the Stirling Observer to raise concerns over how long any repair works would take.
Stirling Council this week confirmed that preliminary works to determine the nature of the repair have been completed. A spokesperson said: “All survey and ground investigation works have taken place and it has been determined that the existing arch remains fit for use.
“Discussions with potential contractors took place on-site and online. A completed design for structural improvement works is due for completion by the end of this month.
“We will continue to engage with the local community and provide updates on progress.”
Following the closure, we also told how motorists ignoring road closures and ‘local access only’ restrictions had left villagers fearing a serious accident may occur. Drymen Community Council say that villagers have been left fearing that a bad accident may happen. Drymen Community Council secretary Andrew Richardson told the Observer: “The official diversion route is via the A811 and A81. Vehicles have been taking shortcuts via Gartness Road, Balfunning Road and Balfunning Lane. Consequently, there have been several near-miss incidents, and the road verges are being damaged as opposing vehicles try to pass each other.
“Due to the volume of traffic using these short cuts, it actually takes longer using these roads than it does taking the official diversion. Stirling Council have now either closed or restricted access to the aforementioned roads. However, many local vehicles and vehicles following Satnav are still using the roads.
“Local residents are worried that a serious accident will result.”
In November last year, we also told how traders issued a warning that firms were being forced to the brink after they were cut off by a series of crumbling bridges.
Business owners in Drymen, Croftamie, Balmaha and the East Loch Lomond said that multiple road closures in the area had brought businesses to their knees.
They said that the crumbling infrastructure in west Stirlingshire was having an immediate detrimental effect on local businesses – with some expecting takings to be down by 40 per cent. The Catter Burn Bridge, as well as the Branshogle, Bridge near Balfron, were closed after the structures deteriorated.
