Two weak bridges in Leven, Fife, are to be replaced at a total cost of £765,000 over the next two years.

The work at Carberry Road and Maitland Street will not only open up both bridges to more traffic by removing weight restrictions, it will also cut down on the risk of the Scoonie Burn flooding.

Members of Fife Council's Levenmouth Area Committee were told that the bridge replacement work is part of Fife Council Transportation Service's 10-year programme to replace or strengthen 21 bridges across Fife. Three are in the Leven area.

Councillor David Alexander, who chairs the Levenmouth Area Committee, said: "There will be a degree of disruption to drivers and local people while building work to replace these bridges is under way, but this temporary upset will be far outweighed by the long-term benefits.

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"I welcome in particular that replacing Carberry Road bridge over the Scoonie Burn will give us the opportunity to reduce the risk of the burn flooding. This will be done by extending the bridge"s span."

It will cost £400,000 to replace the bridge at Carberry Road and £365,000 to replace the nearby Maitland Street Bridge.

Derek Crowe, senior manager with transportation services at Fife Council, said design work is already under way for the new Maitland Street Bridge. He added: "At Carberry Road, the bridge will be replaced by a concrete bridge of greater span than the existing bridge. Adjacent masonry walls will be realigned and parapets replaced. It’s estimated that the road and footways here will be closed for 12 weeks while the work takes place."

Consultations have taken place with a wide range of local and national bodies, ranging from Scottish Natural Heritage to Forth Salmon Fisheries Board and Leven Bowling Club.

(GK/KMcA)