Council estimates bridge replacement could cost more than £40m

Council officials have estimated that it would cost £43.7m to replace a bridge which was closed for more than 100 days on safety grounds.

The sudden closure of the Kirkcudbright Bridge in March 2025 split the town in two, causing disruption to local businesses and residents.

Since it reopened the following July, only cars, light vans and motorbikes have been able to use it and single lane traffic management is in place.

Next week Dumfries and Galloway Council will be asked to approve an initial £6.19m to pay for preliminary work before deciding whether a full replacement should go ahead.

The money will cover the cost of work including developing the design and undertaking site investigations.

A final business case will assess whether the project is affordable, deliverable and represents value for money.

The bridge, which was opened in 1926, carries the A755 across the River Dee and connects Kirkcudbright, the Merse and the wider Stewartry.

It has deteriorated significantly over time and a report to Dumfries and Galloway Council says it is not a viable long-term main crossing.

The report recommends progressing plans for a replacement bridge that would restore unrestricted access and include provision for walking and cycling.

Officers have identified a location immediately upstream of the existing bridge for a replacement crossing.

They said that subject to further decisions, funding and approvals, construction could begin in January 2028, with a new bridge opening in April 2030.

And they estimated that the overall project is "most likely" to cost £43.7m but a "firmer cost" would be provided before councillors consider whether it should go ahead.

Tracey Little, the convener of Dumfries and Galloway Council, said councillors recognised the need to find a "safe and sustainable long term solution".

"This report represents a significant next step," she said.

"If approved, the [£6.19m] funding would allow the detailed design, investigations and other work needed to produce a clearer and more reliable proposal before councillors make any decision on construction."

The publication of the report follows two public engagement events and a community survey to which 300 people responded.

The council said that feedback highlighted the importance of safe and accessible bridge, unrestricted access and long-term reliability.

Little said the response from local residents and businesses to the consultation had been encouraging.

"We will continue to keep the community informed and provide opportunities for people to be involved as this important work progresses," she added.

The £6.19m would come from an existing £36.8m allowance in the council's capital investment strategy for unavoidable requirements.