• 80-metre section of bridge to be replaced

• Tenders now submitted and being evaluated by Transport Scotland

• Contract expected to be awarded in January 2023

A major project to replace an 80-metre section of the Kincardine Bridge has taken a significant step forward, with tenders for a contract with an estimated value of £16 million now submitted to Transport Scotland by potential contractors.

The contract will be let by Transport Scotland as the client, with operating company BEAR Scotland managing the project on their behalf. Detailed design has been carried out by Jacobs.

Transport Scotland are now evaluating the tenders and expect to award the contract in January 2023.

The project will involve demolishing the Kincardine Bridge’s southern piled viaduct and replacing it with a completely new reinforced concrete structure. The southern piled viaduct was assessed by civil engineers in 1984 as substandard and has been supported by a steel propping system since 1992. Construction is expected to take between 18 months and two years.

Disruption to road users will be minimised during the project by diverting traffic along a temporary two-lane bridge, to be constructed alongside the old viaduct. This temporary bridge will also provide access for pedestrians.

The new viaduct will be similar in appearance to adjacent spans on the original bridge, with lamp posts and parapets from the demolished viaduct reinstated on the new structure.

Chris Tracey, BEAR Scotland’s South East 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.

“Our priorities for the project are to maintain the structural integrity of the bridge, to ensure the new viaduct is in keeping with the rest of the structure, to keep the trunk road open during construction, and to mitigate the impact on the surrounding environment.

“With tenders now submitted, the project has taken a significant step forward. We’re committed to keeping road users and local communities informed and will share further details once the contractor is appointed and the programme is confirmed.”