Motorists using the A985 are reminded to plan ahead and expect delays on the weekend of 15 to 18 November, when the Kincardine Bridge will be closed to allow a section of the bridge that has been replaced to be connected to the road network.
The A985 over the Kincardine Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic in both directions from 20:00 on Friday 15 November until 06:00 on Monday 18 November. Traffic will then be directed over the new viaduct for the first time.
During the weekend 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 east footway will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists.
In the week following the opening of the new viaduct, off-peak daytime lane closures with temporary traffic lights will be in place.
If the works are delayed due to adverse weather or any other reason, the closure will take place on the following weekend of 22 to 25 November instead.
The Kincardine Bridge is made up of multiple connected spans. Over the last year a substandard piled viaduct at the southern end has been demolished and replaced with a completely new reinforced concrete structure. The new viaduct is similar in appearance to adjacent spans on the original bridge.
During construction of the new viaduct, a temporary bridge running alongside the original structure allowed traffic, pedestrians and cyclists to continue using the Kincardine Bridge with minimal disruption.
David Bishop, BEAR Scotland’s Unit Bridges Manager, said: “The southern piled viaduct on the Kincardine Bridge was assessed by civil engineers in 1984 as substandard in design. Since then, the viaduct has been closely monitored, and a steel propping system was installed in 1992 to provide interim structural support.
“The permanent replacement of this section will help to ensure the Kincardine Bridge’s long-term availability for service as a key trunk route.
“Contractors Balfour Beatty are now ready to disconnect the temporary bridge that has been in place for the last year and tie in the A985 to the new structure. After this, traffic will run on the new viaduct permanently.
“A full weekend closure of the bridge is essential to allow these works to be completed safely. If you need to use this route on the weekend of 15 to 18 November, our advice is to plan ahead and allow some extra time for your journey.
“We’re grateful to road users and local residents for their understanding.”
Works on site to remove the temporary bridge, complete the new viaduct and reinstate the site are expected to continue until Spring 2025.
The viaduct replacement works are being carried out by contractor Balfour Beatty. The contract is being 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.
Further details on this project are available on the BEAR Scotland website here.
Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland on www.traffic.gov.scot, or on X at @trafficscotland.
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