Kilmelford villagers and even a piper turned out to celebrate the opening of their new bridge this week.
Special thanks went out from the community to all those who made it happen after the old stone bridge was so damaged by last month’s severe weather that it became unsafe and had to be demolished.
Roanna Clark from Kilninver and Kilmelford Community Council said: “Amazing work getting the bridge open in such a short period of time.”
Argyll and Bute Council will lift weight restrictions on the bridge to vehicles weighing up to 44 tonnes, the maximum weight allowed on UK roads, at 4pm on Thursday November 2, subject to final concrete tests.
Thanks to Highland Council who were able to provide concrete box sections, used to form bridges or large culverts, Argyll and Bute Council was able to put in a permanent replacement bridge in rapid time.
Contractors worked extended shifts to install the concrete sections. To fit those sections, teams pumped the majority of water from the river into a pipe to carry it away from the work. The pipe will now stay in place to form part of the permanent solution.
Over the top of the box sections, workers laid a reinforced concrete cover slab and then a final asphalt surface.
Policy Lead for Roads and Transport Councillor Andrew Kain said: “It was both a sign of the positive working relationships we have with other councils, as well as a stroke of fortune, that these suitable box culverts were available from Highland Council. Normally the lead-time on these items can be several weeks from suppliers as they are generally made to order.”