Bridge reopens in town split in two by closure

The bridge has reopened to traffic with significant restrictions

A south of Scotland bridge has reopened to traffic more than 100 days after it was shut suddenly on safety grounds - splitting the town in two.

However, it is not yet business as usual in Kirkcudbright as the reopened bridge now has a 20mph (32km/h) speed limit and operates using a one-way system, with timed lights at either side.

Dumfries and Galloway Council (DGC) officials ordered the bridge to close on 21 March as it was deemed unsafe during a routine inspection.

The decision cut off one housing estate from the rest of the town; creating a five-mile (8km) detour for drivers.

Stuart Parsons at Gallovidia Books is happy the town has been reconnected again

Despite expected traffic delays at either side of the crossing, locals and businesses alike celebrated the reopening on Wednesday when asked by BBC Scotland News.

Carly Vaughan's new business - called The Little Art Den - opened in the town after the bridge closed.

"I'm seriously hoping the reopening increases footfall for all the local small businesses who are operating in the area," she said.

"It's apparent that average drop-in business is down as much as 25% for some and that has a knock-on effect for the rest of the community."

Carly Vaughan is counting on increased footfall to help her new business

Some businesses decided to get creative to keep customers happy during the closure.

Gallovidia Books launched a book-delivery service, offering customers fresh literature to their doorstep.

"We put out an offer on social media that if anybody wanted to order books we would do the hiking round," said Stuart Parsons.

"It's been really unfortunate for them because we missed their custom."

The bridge links one part of Kirkcudbright with another across the River Dee

Now that the bridge is back open - with some changes - Mr Parsons said he was very pleased to see old faces again.

"Today seems busier than usual, whether that's to do with the bridge opening I'm not sure," he said.

"All famous towns and cities that have rivers flowing through them are special - Kirkcudbright is no different.

"Now that we're all together again it feels good."

Nick Morris is waiting on more information about the new bridge

Across the road, cookery school owner Nick Morris agreed that he was happy to see the bridge reopened.

"It's great news it has reopened for residents, tradespeople and businesses," he said.

"When the bridge closed it didn't just split the town in half but cut traffic off from places like Castle Douglas and Gatehouse of Fleet.

"There was a really, really noticeable footfall drop. A lot of the shops rely on people coming over from the bridge."

The crossing has significantly shrunk for drivers - limiting the size of vehicles that can cross the bridge

After the closure Mr Morris said he helped launch Kirkcudbright Bridge Action Group to form a united voice while engaging with the council.

"What we will be watching for very clearly now is what is the timescale for the replacement bridge," he said.

"We have been told it can't be reinforced, it can't be rebuilt."

DGC said it was considering the best options for a new bridge, but said it was too early to determine the length of the process.

However, it pointed out that similar projects had taken upwards of six to seven years.

Mandy Douglas wanted to see the narrow crossing before attempting it in her car

Until a long-term solution is secured, traffic changes are designed to reduce any further physical toll on the crossing.

They include a three-tonne weight limit and width restrictions.

Bollards and plant pots have been installed to ensure motorists comply.

The unused part of the road is now a dedicated active-travel crossing for bikes.

"It's very narrow isn't it? That's why I'm walking over just now to have a little look, before I attempt it," local resident Mandy Douglas said.

A dedicated active-travel route lies beside the new narrow lane for cars

Ms Douglas is one of many residents cut off from the main town when the bridge shut.

"It's been a bit bad because my elderly mother stays across the bridge," she said.

"I've got to pick up the grandchildren from school and have to go all the way round.

"But hey - it's open!"

Resident Brian McQuarrie uses a mobility scooter over the bridge, but thinks the new measures could cause problems for drivers.

"The first week, we'll see how many smashes there are," he said.

"We want a new bridge - that's only temporary what they've got now."

The ageing bridge now includes timed lights at either side, causing traffic delays

In a statement, the council said it would have staff on-site for "a period of time to assess the traffic management arrangements."

The local authority also said it would advise drivers where necessary and make adjustments to the traffic light timings to ensure traffic flowed as smoothly as possible with minimal delays.

BBC Scotland News saw two staff members on the ground, one at either side of the bridge, manually changing traffic light timings.

The council said the reopening had followed a "rigorous technical assessment and analysis" by its engineering team and consultants.