Work on West Lothian Council's £2.4million infrastructure project to replace Skolie Burn Bridge between Addiewell and Loganlea has "reached new heights" with the installation of a temporary bridge.

The temporary bridge has to be lifted into place before the old bridge can be demolished and a new permanent bridge built in its place. The new bridge is expected to be completed by spring 2020.

The temporary bridge will ensure that vehicle and pedestrian access is maintained throughout the duration of the works. The contractor will now prepare the approaches to the bridge prior to a road closure next weekend (19 & 20 October) to carry out the final tie-ins of the road. The new temporary road and bridge should therefore be open to traffic by Monday 21 October.

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The old bridge will remain in operation until the temporary bridge is open. The only closure required will be this coming weekend for a couple of days. The temporary bridge will then take the traffic to allow demolition of the old bridge and reconstruction of a new permanent bridge on the same footprint as the old bridge.

Executive councillor for development and transport Cathy Muldoon said: "I'm delighted that the £2.4 million project to replace Skolie Burn Bridge has now started. The new bridge is a key piece of strategic infrastructure and has a design life of 120 years, and will restore full access between Addiewell and Loganlea for many generations to come."

Executive councillor for the environment Tom Conn added: "The new bridge will be a major boost to the local road network when completed. It will allow two lanes of traffic to cross without any weight restrictions when completed in 2020, improving access for the local community."

(MH/JG)