The bridge was badly damaged after a vehicle struck the upstream parapet during an incident on Friday 15 September 2023, which forced the closure of the road. The works will comprise further dismantling and rebuilding of parts of the bridge. The council is currently awaiting the contractor’s programme.

The contract requires works to start next week and be complete by Christmas. However, there remains a risk that cold weather could delay the work because freezing conditions are not suitable for laying masonry.

Colder weather is already forecast beyond this weekend, which has the potential to delay the reopening to next year.

Following inspection of the bridge council operatives found that in addition to the section of parapet which has collapsed into the river, adjacent lengths of parapet and spandrel wall are unstable and need to be carefully dismantled and rebuilt.

Executive chief officer for Economy and Infrastructure, Malcolm MacLeod, said: “This is a fairly involved process which may necessitate temporarily stripping off part of the roadway and backfill from the arch to allow the supporting walls to be reconstructed. A scaffold will be required over the river to gain access to the outside walls.”