Transportation Services are set to replace a substantial part of the bridge over the River Eden at Pitscottie Road in Cupar.

This project is part of Fife Council’s programme of Bridge Replacement & Strengthening, approved by the Environment, Enterprise & Transportation committee last May.

Contractors RJ McLeod Ltd are due to commence work on 22 March 2010, with the £1.3million project expected to last up to November 2010.

The existing bridge is Grade B listed and currently has a 17-tonne weight restriction due to the weakness of the extension on the east side.

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The planned works will replace this weak extension with a reinforced concrete arch, which will be faced in masonry to blend in with the historic part of the structure.

This will be wider than the existing extension, allowing better road alignment. The older part of the bridge will also undergo some essential maintenance.

The Tarvit Bridge will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians for the duration of the works. Provision has been made to ensure that access for residents and emergency services is maintained at all times and Coal Road will remain open one-way to eastbound traffic only. A 7.5 tonne temporary weight restriction will be placed on Tarvit Avenue and St Michael’s Drive. Vehicles over 7.5 tonnes travelling towards Cupar from the east will be diverted via Pitscottie, Ceres and Craigrothie.

Pedestrians will be diverted using the footpaths adjacent to the River Eden. The footpath at the east end of Cart Haugh will be closed although a temporary footpath linking with Pitscottie Road will be provided.

Every effort will be made to minimise inconvenience to road users and any disruption will be kept to a minimum.

(GK/BMcc)