A BRIDGE has suddenly closed causing travel chaos and road misery for drivers.
Kirkcudbright Bridge will be shut off to motorists for an unspecified period from this evening.
The shutdown will mean road users will be forced to take an 11-mile detour to reach their destination.
And it’s feared that the diversion could have a huge effect on emergency vehicles responding to triple nine calls.
According to the council, the bridge closure is to ‘protect the structural integrity’ of the crossing.
A spokesman said: “We fully appreciate the inconvenience this closure may cause and are engaging with the local community and partner – including emergency services and transport providers – to minimise disruption during this closure.
“We apologise for any disruption and inconvenience.”
Earlier this year, a temporary 7.5-tonne weight limit was introduced in response to ongoing breaches of the previous 17-tonne limit.
This followed findings from inspections by the council’s engineering consultant, Mott MacDonald, which highlighted structural limitations in the bridge and required prompt action.
Despite early efforts to protect the structure and limit weight on the crossing, ongoing monitoring has shown that several heavy goods vehicles – with a weight well in excess of safe limits – have continued to use the route.
Local motorists have been left fuming and have launched a petition to keep the bridge open.
An online post reads: “The current discussion of closing it does not consider the livelihood of local residents.
“Many people residing west of the town, who use it daily to get to work, schools, or attend health and social appointments stand to be affected adversely.
“Furthermore, considering the potential delay the closure may cause to Emergency Services, which would require an 11-mile detour to reach their destination, it becomes a public safety issue.
“Instead of temporary closure, we propose a maintained one-way traffic system to ensure accessibility while addressing the bridge’s issues.
“Let’s put community needs and public safety first.”
Kirkcudbright Bridge closes suddenly causing travel chaos for drivers[/caption]
The bridge will remain open for pedestrians.
