Ruthven Bridge to be closed for replacement works

The B970 road at Ruthven Bridge, Kingussie will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians from Wednesday 29 July for six weeks and programmed to re-open on 11 September 2015.

This closure is to allow works being carried out by contractors Morgan Sindall on behalf of The Highland Council to replace the bridge. The closure affects part of the B970 Kingussie – Speybridge Road at Ruthven Bridge, commencing at its junction with the Shinty Pitch access road and its junction with the private road at Ruthven Steading.

Alternative routes for light vehicles (gross vehicle weight of less than 17 Tonnes), cyclists and long-distance walkers will be available using part of the B970 Kingussie – Speybridge Road; A86 Kingussie to Kerrow Road; B9152 Kingussie to Granish Road and C1132 Kincraig to Loch Insh Road.

Due to weight restrictions at Kincraig Spey Bridge – the diversion for heavy vehicles is via Aviemore.

Motorists are advised to be extra vigilant on the weekend of 30 July – 2 August when traffic will be heavier for the Aviemore Stopover Festival which coincides with these long-planned works at Ruthven Bridge. Festival traffic diverted off the A9 trunk road onto the B9152 will coincide with the bridge diversions.

Once the B970 road is closed, demolition of the existing Ruthven Bridge deck will begin. This will be followed by preparation of the abutments and piers to receive the new deck, erection of the new deck and finally road surfacing, white lining and approach walls.

The project to repair the vital infrastructure to the local community includes a £622,123 contract with Morgan Sindall; with 25% funding from Forestry Commission Scotland secured from the Scottish Timber Transport Scheme and the remainder of funding by The Highland Council.

17 Jul 2015