Bridge facelift causing disruption in the town centre
THREE months of traffic chaos is underway in the centre of Kirkintilloch to allow the revamp of a historic bridge.
Eastside Bridge, in Kirkintilloch, will be closed for 14 weeks.
The closure began on Monday and is expected to last until Sunday, April 29.
The work is part of a £200,000 revamp of the 18th century bridge, which crosses over the Luggie Water. The bridge dates back to 1715.
Councillor Billy Hendry, convener of East Dunbartonshire Council’s development and infrastructure committee, said: “The council’s current programme of works is aimed at strengthening the existing footways.
“This will allow the current footway protection barriers to be removed, to allow the Victorian ornamental railings to be visible again to ensure the character of the bridge remains intact.”
Eastside Bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic every day from 6am-6pm during the refurbishment works.
However, it will still be open to pedestrians and there will be access to local businesses.
Diversions have been put in place and motorists have been advised to use Kilsyth Road as an alternative route.
Rumours that the bridge, which may once have been used by Bonnie Prince Charlie, is set to be demolished have also been denied by the council.
Councillor Hendry added: “Eastside Bridge, also known as Luggie Bridge, dates back to the 18th century and is category B listed and protected by Historic Scotland.”
Councillor Charles Kennedy is keen for the four historic lights on the bridge to be connected to the power network to ensure they are shining beacons for years to come.
The four cast-iron lamp standards are the only surviving local examples of the town’s first foundry – the Kirkintilloch Foundry.
Councillor Kennedy also wants signs put up to remind people that Eastside is “open for business” during the refurbishment work.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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