Major works to refurbish the deck of Galafoot Bridge on the A6091 are likely to continue until late January, after the concrete deck underneath the road surface was found to be in significantly worse condition than expected.
Transport Scotland’s operating company BEAR Scotland is managing the project, which includes resurfacing of the bridge’s carriageway and footpaths, renewal of waterproofing, concrete repairs, parapet improvements, and maintenance on the underside of the bridge.
The bridge has been open to westbound traffic only since 5 October, while the surfacing and waterproofing on the eastbound carriageway has been removed and concrete repairs carried out.
David Bishop, BEAR Scotland’s South East Bridges Manager, said: “The concrete deck slab under the road surfacing on Galafoot Bridge has been found to be in much worse condition than estimated.
“There was always some uncertainty over what we would find once we removed the existing road surface, however there is more than three times as much concrete requiring repairs as originally anticipated.
“This additional concrete repair area will increase the duration of the works. We’ve been working with our contractors to identify ways of accelerating the works, including bringing in additional resources, however there are still significant unknowns including the condition of the concrete under the westbound carriageway and the impact of weather over the weeks ahead.
“Assuming the deck under the other half of the bridge is in similar condition, and we experience weather that would typically be expected during November and December, it is likely that works will need to continue until the end of January 2027.
“We appreciate that this is an unwelcome message for local people and motorists who use the route, however it is essential that these repairs are completed thoroughly in order to preserve the structural integrity of the bridge and minimise the need for repeated future bridge closures.
“We’re grateful for everyone’s understanding and will issue further updates as the project progresses.”
Full overnight bridge closures
New dates for full overnight bridge closures have been confirmed. The bridge will be closed to traffic in both directions between 19:30 and 06:00 on the nights of 2, 12-18 and 24 November.
Closures originally scheduled for 8, 9 and 29 November will no longer go ahead.
Further details on the works, including maps and video, can be viewed on the BEAR Scotland website at www.bearscot.com/galafoot. This page will be kept up to date with all changes to the programme.
Real-time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland at www.traffic.gov.scot, or on X at @trafficscotland.
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