A985 Kincardine Bridge

The Kincardine Bridge was opened to traffic in 1936 and operated as a ‘swing bridge’ until 1987. The Bridge received Category A listed status in 2005. The Bridge comprises of a series of spans of various forms of construction supported on reinforced concrete piers. The central swing span is flanked by multiple spans to the north and south with an 80m long piled viaduct at the southern end.

In parallel with the routine maintenance of the bridge a phased programme of refurbishment works, which includes the replacement of the southern piled viaduct, is currently being undertaken by Transport Scotland.

A programme of work valued at over £2.3m to waterproof and resurface the A985 Kincardine Bridge is complete.

Transport Scotland worked with Operating Company Amey on the four-year project.

Fourteen joint-to-joint spans of the bridge have been refurbished, including concrete repairs, the replacement of the bridge deck waterproofing system, the installation of new bridge expansion joints and resurfacing of the carriageway.

This work has ensured the continued safe and reliable operation of one of the major links across the Forth - extending the working life of the bridge through upgrading the waterproofing system, expansion joints and improving the carriageway.

The A985 Kincardine Bridge scheme was one of the first works to use Bluetooth (and later crowdsourced) data to monitor traffic delays through the works, with real-time updates being communicated to the public via variable message signs.

As the bridge enters its eighth decade, a programme of further maintenance work is planned. These future works will ensure this national landmark is serviceable for many years to come. They are programmed to commence in 2021 and measures will be put in place to minimise delays to the travelling public.

Cameron Gair, Head of Major Bridges at Transport Scotland, said: “This significant investment will ensure that the Kincardine Bridge continues to provide motorists with a safe and reliable link across the River Forth.

“We would like to thank the travelling public for their patience as these essential works were carried out and commend staff at Amey for delivering the programme despite some of the challenges that come with Scotland’s weather.

“We are committed to ensuring this landmark crossing continues to play a key role in our trunk road network for years to come.”

Tom Wallace, Account Manager for the Scottish South East Trunk Roads Unit, said:

“We are grateful for the co-operation, patience and support we have had from the local community, Kincardine Community Council, the emergency services, and other key stakeholders in ensuring this complex and extensive maintenance scheme has been delivered on time.”

“Despite challenges presented by Scotland’s weather, and major incidents such as the closure of the Forth Road Bridge in December 2015, this work has progressed steadily and without significant delays.”

This scheme was planned in consultation with Traffic Scotland, the emergency services, Kincardine Community Council, Stagecoach, First Bus, Kingfisher Tours, Road Hauliers Association, Freight Transport Association, Abnormal Loads, Clackmannanshire Council, Falkirk Council, Fife Council, and Stirling Council.

1. What's involved?

The works are to replace the existing 80 metre long viaduct at the southern end of Kincardine Bridge with a new reinforced concrete viaduct.

The works involve:

• Demolition of the existing southern piled viaduct.
• Construction of a new viaduct that will have a similar appearance to adjacent spans to the north of the piled viaduct.

2. Project benefits

Replacing the existing viaduct with a new piled viaduct will help to ensure the long-term service use of Kincardine Bridge for all road users.

3. Status

The scheme is currently at the detailed design stage.

The design process includes liaison with numerous key stakeholders including Local Authorities, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Historic Environment Scotland and Marine Scotland.

4. Traffic management

Two-way traffic will be maintained during the construction works through the provision of a two lane temporary bridge that will be constructed adjacent to the north-west side of the existing piled viaduct. The temporary bridge will also maintain pedestrian access across the bridge.

5. Impact on travel

Traffic studies and modelling of the proposed traffic management has been undertaken to determine the extent of any delays and impact on traffic in the surrounding area. Traffic modelling suggests that by maintaining two way traffic during the period of the construction works, under normal circumstances, no significant delays occur at peak times.

Short-term single lane working or full closures of the bridge will be required for specific construction activities, however this will be limited and timed to minimise disruption to road users.

6. Environmental impact

Consultation is ongoing with statutory and non-statutory stakeholders, to identify any environmental risks and to ensure that the most appropriate construction techniques and mitigation measures are in place. Consultation will continue through the design and construction phases of the works.

An environmental impact assessment (EIA) will be prepared to consider the potential cumulative effects of the proposed scheme and the most effective methods of mitigation.

7. Construction works commencement

The works are planned to start in Summer 2021 for a period of up to 24 months.

8. Future works

Following the replacement of the piled viaduct works, further works proposed at the bridge include:

• Refurbishment of the timber jetties;
• Replacement of the temporary road restraint system with a permanent system;
• Bridge bearing replacement;
• Concrete repairs;
• Re-painting the bridge.

These works are currently at the feasibility stage but will be proceed to the design and construction stages over the coming years. Further details will be provided on the Transport Scotland website.

 

Transport Scotland published draft Orders and an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) for the proposed scheme on 27 October 2020. A statutory Objection period of six weeks starting 27 October to 8 December will take place. Within this period, Transport Scotland invites comments on the proposals.

If you would like to make any comments for the EIA or objections to the CPO, please email info@transport.gov.scot.