Lifeline Highland bridge opens to public

A LIFELINE bridge across the River Cannich has reopened.

The River Cannich. Picture: Andrew Smith [http://www.geograph.org.uk/profile/2562] (CC)

The new crossing of the Cannich at Muchrachd has been opened to the public.

The bridge has been built by McGregor Construction (Highlands) Ltd in conjunction with their bridge supplier Retro Bridge.

It comprises a 120 tonne, 52 metre single span structure, allowing unrestricted traffic to cross the river. The works also include realignment of the road and improvements to the adjacent forestry access road.

In September last year, the council imposed an emergency weight restriction on the existing Muchrachd Bailey Bridge. This restriction was due to significant structural deterioration of the old bridge.

As well as being a lifeline route for the residents of Glen Cannich, the bridge is also a vital link for Scottish and Southern Energy access to Mullardoch Dam at the head of the glen.

Temporary waste collection arrangements put in place for local residents living to the west of the bridge have now been removed and normal waste collections are set to resume.