Cantray Bridge work starts

Press Release from Highland Council:

Work has started this week on the refurbishment of Cantray Bridge near Croy.

The £67,000 contract has been awarded to Coffey Construction by The Highland Council to strengthen the bridge by installing a steel bracing to the central span. In addition, safety fencing will be erected to protect the masonry parapet walls.

Cantray Bridge is a three span masonry arch bridge which carries the U1169 road over the River Nairn near Croy. It was closed to all vehicular traffic in January 2011, following an inspection which revealed serious deformation and outward leaning of a central span wall. During the closure to all vehicles - which was put in place for public safety - pedestrian and cycling access was maintained.

During the refurbishment works, the bridge will be closed to all vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians. Diverted traffic can now use the B9090 White Bridge, the C1088 Clava Bridge, or the U1229 Nairnside Bridge roads as alternatives.

The council anticipates that the works will be completed by the end of the year (weather depending).

The bridge will re-open with for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians only with a 3-tonne weight limit and a 7 foot 6 inch width restriction.

Cantray Bridge was built in 1774 by a local landowner, David Davidson. Records indicate that it was replaced, at least in part, around 1850. Steel tie bars and bracing were added to the spandrels above the northern span in 1958. The bridge was designated as a category B listed building in 1971. Steel tie bars and bracing were added to the southern span in 1989. The bridge was assessed in 2001 and restricted to 17 tonnes gross vehicle weight.