The Highland Council has announced the Ruthven Bridge will be closed at the end of July.

The closure will last for approximately six weeks allowing work to be undertaken on the £1 million project to replace the bridge.

Proposals for the bridgeworks require removing the existing bridge superstructure and installing a replacement.

The B970 road will be closed during the development work.

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During the closure, a public road diversion for light vehicles will be in place via the River Spey crossing at Kincraig. Heavy vehicles are already diverting via Aviemore.

A temporary route for vehicles was previously proposed, however the route was likely to cost over £70,000.

Head of Infrastructure Colin Howell said: "A temporary alternative junction with the A9 has been explored. However, now that costs for this are clearer, it is unlikely that there would be sufficient benefit to justify the costs. Heavier vehicles are already using the diversion route."

"The Council does not take issues of road closure lightly, and we will endeavour to reduce the impact on the community and local businesses."

(LM)