Bear Scotland announces £1.5 million bridge replacement project set to begin on A887 near Glenmoriston
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A NOTORIOUSLY narrow section of a busy road linking the Great Glen to Skye is set to be widened as part of a £1.5 million project to replace a decaying bridge.
The A887 west of Torgyle Bridge is set to be upgraded as part of a project to replace the nearby bridge over the Allt na H-Innse Beag burn, which sits on a short stretch of single track road – the only single lane section of the busy road westward to Glen Shiel.
Work begins on Monday.
The project, which is expected to last up to seven months, will see the sub-standard All na H-Innse Beag burn bridge, which flows into the nearby River Moriston, replaced by a new box culvert crossing.
The existing bridge over the burn, which was built in 1948, is in "poor condition and needs to be replaced for the safety of road users", Bear Scotland has said.
The replacement bridge is expected to last at least 120 years. It will be built 10 metres east of the existing crossing, and will enable the A887 to be widened to at least six metres, with 1.5 metres verges on either side.
During construction a temporary road will be built next to the site, enabling traffic on the A887 to continue to flow – albeit with traffic lights and a reduced 30mph speed limit in force.
Eddie Ross, Bear Scotland’s north west representative said: “This £1.5 million project is vital, ensuring that the A887 trunk road remains a safe and reliable route for motorists. Our team has designed the project to include a temporary road that will be constructed next to the site, ensuring that the A887 remains open during the works with minimum disruption caused.
“The current structure is in poor condition and this is why it is to be demolished and replaced with a new reinforced concrete box structure, capable of withstanding modern traffic loads. The intended life span of the new structure is 120 years and it will be a stronger, wider and a more reliable structure for road users.
“Due to environmental constraints associated with the watercourse and the surrounding area, various key construction activities can only be undertaken during the summer months. Our teams will do all they can to complete the project as quickly and safely as possible, and will work to minimise disruption wherever they can.
“We encourage all road users to adhere to any signs or traffic management that is in place for their own safety as well as that of our teams, and remind them to plan ahead and leave some extra time for their journey.”
Real-time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland at www.trafficscotland.org or twitter @trafficscotland.
Bear Scotland said that consultation had been carried out with local businesses, emergency services and the local authority to inform them of the project and the traffic management arrangements that will be in place.
