THE newly constructed Balliemore Bridge in Cowal has been officially opened to traffic.
The original bridge was irreparably damaged during extreme weather in October 2023, prompting an immediate closer and plan for demolition.
In response, Argyll & Bute Council, and its appointed principal contractor Geo-Structural Ltd – working closely with Ardtaraig Estate – created a diversion route through nearby fields, allowing a temporary bridge to be installed upstream. This temporary crossing has served the community since 1 December 2023.
The demolition of the existing bridge was unable to commence until public utilities had been removed from the structure in October 2024. Whilst this increased the programme of the works, it allowed further development of the permanent solution to be undertaken.
The original proposal was to re-use an off-the-shelf steel bridge that would serve the route for approximately 60 years. However, the additional time enabled a bespoke concrete bridge, with an intended working life of 120 years, to be fully designed within the timeframe.
Whilst a steel bridge would be quick to install, the council said it would require routine maintenance to ensure that corrosion does not accelerate and decrease the lifespan of the structure.
A pre-cast concrete option has an increase in initial costs and timeframe, it added. However, factory casting of the main load-bearing beams ensure high quality and durability, with low maintenance costs over the lifespan of the bridge. The concrete bridge option also permitted a wider, raised footpath to be constructed for pedestrians.
The new bridge has an increased span length over the original bridge, and the foundations are protected by steel sheet piles to reduce the risk of further scour and undermining events from future storms. Installing the bridge required a 130-tonne crane to lift and position six precast, 15-metre-long, pre-stressed concrete deck beams.
Whilst the location is remote from adjacent houses, the local authority said both the landowner Ardtaraig Estate and residents have been accommodating of the works to ensure the B class public road network remained in operation throughout the scheme.
Councillor John Armour, policy lead for roads, amenity, and transport services at Argyll & Bute Council, commented, “The work that’s gone into building this new bridge has been exceptional. It takes an enormous amount of planning and engineering to reach this point, and I commend everyone involved. This project was unplanned, triggered by extreme weather, and the response has been nothing short of remarkable.
“The reopening is fantastic news for the local community, and I want to thank residents for their patience and resilience over the past two years. I’m especially grateful to the landowner for their cooperation in enabling the temporary diversion route.”
