Collaborative working between Perth and Kinross Council and Network Rail has brought the repair programme at Luncarty Bridge in Perthshire to a successful conclusion.

The structure carries the B9099 over the Perth–Inverness railway immediately south of Luncarty village. Its parapet was damaged in late 2019 after being struck by a vehicle, with Network Rail carrying out immediate safety works to protect road users and the line below.

The full scheme took longer to deliver due to other local bridge repair and maintenance priorities and the added complexity of requiring a complete closure of the railway to finish elements of the job.

Following close liaison with Network Rail, the Council's Structures team commissioned a contractor to work overnight at weekends to recover fallen masonry, undertake a masonry survey, source suitable replacement materials and rebuild the parapet.

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Additional activity included installing a hard edge/kerb across the roadway on the bridge and providing further protective measures to the span directly above the railway.

The Council's Economy and Infrastructure Convener, Councillor Grant Laing said: "We have tackled a number of significant bridge repair projects in recent years due to the impact of severe weather events. Luncarty Bridge, while less urgent thanks to initial repairs carried out by Network Rail, needed a joint approach to complete the permanent measures required, particularly as the main railway line to Inverness runs underneath it. It's very satisfying to see all the works completed safely and effectively through collaborative effort."

Raymond Sherridan, head of asset protection and optimisation at Network Rail, said: "We're pleased to have supported Perth and Kinross Council in delivering these important repairs. Working closely with the Council and their contractors, we facilitated the necessary track access to safely recover the fallen masonry from the lineside and enable the reconstruction of the parapet.

"This collaborative approach has ensured the works were completed safely and effectively, helping the bridge continue to serve the community."