Located on the C1119, Balnaan Bridge carries the road across the River Dulnain and has been found to have a number of critical structural elements in poor condition.

A structural assessment of the bridge discovered that its half-joints are overstressed, and the structural stability of the bridge is therefore at risk. Continued vehicle use and failure of the half-joints could result in collapse of the bridge and serious risk to the public. A risk review in accordance with the Council’s Management of Substandard Structures policy recommended that the bridge be closed.

Chair of the Badenoch and Strathspey Committee, Councillor Russell Jones, said: “We appreciate that Balnaan Bridge is well used by the local community and the inconvenience of its sudden closure. However, public safety must always come first, and the current structural integrity of the bridge is not adequate for continued vehicle use.

“It has been recommended that we have no option but to close Balnaan Bridge in the interests of public safety and to ensure all risks have been addressed before reopening is considered. We will continue to seek additional capital funding to support a possible overbridging solution that could allow the reopening of the bridge.”

Balnaan Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic from Monday 15 December. Access will be maintained for pedestrians and cyclists, and a vehicle diversion will be in place via Carrbridge and the A938.