Inspections have identified additional defects at Allt Mor Bridge on Arran's B880, so North Ayrshire Council will pause works over Easter before enforcing a full closure from 20 April.

The council has confirmed that ongoing repairs on the structure along the String Road must be extended after further checks revealed more extensive work is needed. To allow specialist plant and equipment safe access, the route will be closed completely when the main phase of works restarts.

To reduce disruption during the busy Easter period, preparatory activities will be completed under the current traffic management, with the principal works suspended over the holidays.

During the pause, the bridge will remain open to vehicles under single-lane, signal-controlled traffic from Thursday, 2 April, for the duration of the holiday period. Works will then resume on Monday, 20 April, when a full, round-the-clock closure of the B880 String Road will be in place for up to three weeks.

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A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: "We recognise how disruptive road closures can be, particularly for our island communities and for local businesses who rely on tourism. That is why we have taken the decision to pause the main phase of these works over the Easter holiday period.

"Unfortunately, further inspections have shown that these repairs are more extensive than originally anticipated, and a full closure will be unavoidable when work resumes. These critical repairs are essential for public safety and delaying them further is not an option.

"We apologise for the inconvenience this temporary closure may cause and appreciate the patience and understanding of the Arran community while this critical work is carried out."

While the works are paused, the contractor will inspect the bridge daily to ensure it remains safe for traffic. If circumstances change, the council will immediately review the arrangements to ensure public safety is not compromised.

Stakeholders are being informed of the forthcoming closure to support alternative access planning, and regional transport partners have been notified so contingency school transport can be arranged where necessary.