Kincardine Bridge to close for major demolition and reconstruction work with diversions in place

Kincardine bridge is to close over the weekend for major demolition and reconstruction work.

The crossing over the Firth of Forth connects the Falkirk council area to Kincardine in Fife.

Diversions will be put in place for both directions while construction to replace the bridge’s “substandard southern piled viaduct” takes place from 8pm on Friday, October 27, until 6am on Monday, October 30.

The temporary route running alongside the existing structure will be connected to the A985 trunk road north and south of the works area.

The diversion will allow road traffic, cyclists and pedestrians to continue using the Kincardine Bridge in both directions with works set to last 18 months.

The east footway will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists, said road maintenance and management firm BEAR Scotland.

During the 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 works come as Scotland is set to be battered by more heavy rain in the aftermath of Storm Babet meaning they could be delayed.

If the works are delayed due to adverse weather or any other reason, the closure will take place on the following weekend of November 3 instead.

Chris Tracey, 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 are now ready to connect the temporary bridge that will allow traffic to continue using the A985 over the Kincardine Bridge during the replacement works.

“This is an important milestone that will allow work to proceed on demolishing and reconstructing the substandard southern piled viaduct.

“Traffic modelling suggests that by maintaining two-way traffic during construction, no significant delays will occur, although some lane closures and limited full closures will be required.

“We’ll continue to keep the public informed as this major project progresses.”