KINCARDINE residents had the chance to hear more about a major £16.85m repair project which will take place on the Kincardine Bridge.

Plans involve replacing an 80-metre section of the Category A listed structure and will see the construction of a temporary two-lane bridge for vehicles and pedestrians alongside the old viaduct.

At a public meeting in the village's community centre on Wednesday, members of the project team from BEAR Scotland and Balfour Beatty provided an overview of the project, outlining how it would be undertaken with key timeframes.

An animation was shown which gave an insight into how construction will be managed including the erection of a temporary bridge which will be crucial in minimising disruption while the southern piled viaduct (SPV) is taken down and the replacement structure built.

Information was also offered on some of the community benefits projects that are planned to be delivered.

Chris Tracey, BEAR Scotland SE Unit Bridges Manager and engineer for the Kincardine Bridge SPV replacement project, said: “It was good to see such a strong turnout from the local community. We welcomed the feedback and questions from those living so close to the structure.

Craig Hunter from Balfour Beatty speaking at the public meeting in Kincardine.

Craig Hunter from Balfour Beatty speaking at the public meeting in Kincardine.

"We are committed to continue engaging with the community while we undertake this major refurbishment of this iconic structure.”

Local councillor Graeme Downie was one of those who attended the event.

“It was good to hear that the way repairs will be carried out to the south approach to Kincardine Bridge which will minimise disruption for people in both West Fife and Clackmannanshire and not require the closure of the bridge itself," he said.

“This will avoid the traffic chaos that can be associated with major works like this and allow people and the communities to carry on largely as normal.

"I would also like to thank both BEAR Scotland and Balfour Beatty for taking this proactive approach in coming to the community with this information and being open and transparent about their plans.”

Construction activity to replace the southern piled viaduct is estimated to start on site around mid-May and is expected to take between 18 months and two years.