Work to preserve historic Evanton bridge completed

Work to replace the parapets on the arch road bridge in Evanton has been completed.

The original masonry arch bridge over the Allt Graad in Evanton, sometimes known as Culcairn Bridge, was built around 1780 by the famous Civil Engineer, John Smeaton.

It was widened in the 1930’s using a combination of reinforced concrete and masonry.

In recent years the sandstone masonry parapets had deteriorated due to years of water spray from the road and freezing and thawing. This year The Highland Council designed replacement parapets and awarded a £175,000 Contract to McGregor Construction to carry out the work. The new parapets are of cast stone and the colour has been chosen to be similar to the natural stone of the old parapets.

Evanton based Highland Councillor Mike Finlayson was on site when work started and also visited the team to see the laying of the final blocks in the new walls. He said: “I must congratulate the contractors and council engineers for doing a terrific job.

People in the community are commenting on how good the bridge looks. I would also like to thank people in the village for their understanding and patience while work was underway. I am sure everyone will feel the temporary inconvenience of the traffic lights has been worth it as the repairs to the bridge will mean it can be in use for many years to come.”