The construction of the £1.85m Dean Ford Bridge over the Kilmarnock Water has begun, according to East Ayrshire Council, with box culverts already being lowered into position.

RJ McLeod Ltd. was awarded the contract to construct the bridge in May 2014. Design and manufacture of the pre-cast elements of the structure began shortly after, with the complex site works starting in August.

The new road bridge is to include a pedestrian footway on both sides. Once completed, the temporary footbridge that is currently in place will be removed.

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Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council, joined Councillor Bobby McDill, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration, to view the progress on site.

He said: "The Dean Ford would flood on numerous occasions every year during periods of heavy rainfall, resulting in stranded vehicles, road closures and traffic diversions round the town centre. Regardless of warnings, drivers attempted to cross the water, putting not only their own lives at risk, but also the lives of emergency services called to their rescue.

"The new bridge will ensure the safe passage of vehicles and pedestrians, improving access not only to the town centre but to Dean Castle Country Park and the new Kilmarnock school campus when it opens."

It is anticipated that Dean Bridge will be completed by the end of February next year.

(IT/JP)