Work has begun this week to restore an historic bridge in the Highlands.

The £67,000 contract to refurbish Cantray Bridge near Croy has been awarded to Coffey Construction by The Highland Council.

The work will see the firm strengthen the bridge by installing a steel bracing to the central span.

Safety fencing will also be erected to protect the masonry parapet walls.

Cantray Bridge is a three-span masonry arch structure. The U1169 road passes across the bridge over the River Nairn near Croy.

An inspection that discovered deformation and the outward leaning of a central span wall in the structure led to the bridge’s close to vehicular traffic in January 2011. Pedestrian and cycling access was maintained.

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But during this latest phase of works, access will be completely closed, including to cyclists and pedestrians.

Diverted traffic will use the B9090 White Bridge, the C1088 Clava Bridge, or the U1229 Nairnside Bridge roads as alternatives.

Cantray Bridge was built in 1774 by a local landowner, David Davidson.

The Highland Council says it was replaced, at least in part, around 1850.

In 1958, steel tie bars and bracing were added to the spandrels above the northern span.

Then in 1971, Cantray Bridge was designated as a category B listed building.

Steel tie bars and bracing were added to the southern span in 1989.

The bridge was then assessed in 2001 and restricted to 17 tonnes gross vehicle weight.

It is thought the works will be completed by the end of the year, when the bridge will re-open for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians only with a 3-tonne weight limit and a 7 foot 6 inch width restriction.

(IT)