Stirling Council has announced that Kerse Road Bridge will reopen on Friday, 19 October, ahead of schedule.

The road bridge – used by about 22,000 vehicles a day – has been shut for six months to allow Network Rail to carry out the electrification of Stirling's railway.

Initial estimates from Network Rail suggested the bridge would have to close for a full year but Stirling Council successfully negotiated that time frame down to six months in a bid to minimise disruption.

Network Rail contractors Morgan Sindall had been working towards an 23 October re-opening – and the early finish is a welcome boost for businesses, residents and commuters.

Environment and Housing committee Convenor Cllr Jim Thomson said: "It is absolutely tremendous news that Kerse Road is to re-open to traffic - not just on time - but ahead of schedule.

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"It's great that from this weekend, Stirling is fully open for business as traders, residents and visitors gear up for the Christmas rush.

"We knew the closure would cause disruption, no matter the time scale, but this was a necessary evil we planned for. The bridge was crumbling and needed replaced and the electrification of the track will mean quicker journey times in and out of Stirling for rail passengers, making the city more accessible.

"While we appreciate that this essential work has been inconvenient, I am pleased with the way Stirling Council has worked closely with Network Rail to minimise the disruption.

"We negotiated with Network Rail to have the period of the full road closure reduced from 12 months to six.

"We fully recognise that this will have been especially tough for businesses operating in the immediate vicinity and thank all traders for their patience.

"But the Armageddon predicted in some quarters has not materialised, thanks to careful road traffic management, and the city has even successfully hosted major events like the Runrig concerts during the closure."

The £8million project – with £1million funding from Stirling Council – has been completed on budget and on time.

It will be open two-way to traffic from 19 October, although heavy goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes will initally not be allowed access to give contractors a safe working area.

The temporary pedestrian footbridge will remain in place until the New Year.

Kerse Road bridge will be closed to traffic for two successive weekends in January to allow utility works to be carried out.

(MH)