B725 Road Closure at Brow Well

UPDATE (30th November 2019)

Thanks again to Steven Burton (we hope he got to be first across!) – the temporary bridge is open from today!

 

UPDATE (22nd November 2019)

And the temporary bridge is nearly done – update by Bankend reporting photographer Steven Burton ;) !

 

UPDATE (21st November 2019)

Thanks to Steven Burton (again!) for sending us this information:
Main points (see image below):

  • Installation of temporary bridge is programmed for Friday 22nd Nov 2019
  • Delivery and construction traffic will arrive on site from 7am
  • Road opened (single lane with traffic signals) with 30mph limit by the week commencing 2nd December
  • Every effort will be made to minimise disruption, but be prepared

Bridge Update letter 21 Nov

UPDATE (9th November 2019)

Thanks to Steven Burton for sending us these photos of the Brow Well Bridge site this morning:

Steven Burton - Brow Well new foot bridge

UPDATE (7th November 2019)

With thanks to Cllr Elaine Murray who has forwarded the following progress update on the issues with Brow Well Bridge from Engineering Design Manager, Duncan McDonald [in full]:

An update was provided to members at the Communities Committee on Tuesday 5th November 2019, when it was reported that “the Council will continue to monitor the condition of the existing bridge and progress plans for a temporary structure” this would allow the road to be re-opened by the end of November, the following works have been progressed to achieve this.

·         Topographic survey information has been completed to inform the location of the temporary bridge and any future structure,

·         A temporary bridge has been procured and will be delivered to site for installation by w/e 22nd November,

·         The temporary bridge will be installed on the line of the existing bridge in the short time,

·         The temporary bridge will provide passage for single way traffic and will be controlled by traffic signals under a temporary 30mph speed limit,

·         The temporary bridge will be re-located into a position downstream of the existing bridge early in the summer 2020, this will allow the new bridge to be re-built around that time.

·         Consultations continue with all adjoining landowners,

·         The affected utility companies i.e. Telecom and Scottish Water have been consulted on measures to maintain their service,

·         Site ground investigation works have been completed, this will inform the design of the new structure and any short-term temporary structure,

·         Discussions continue with statutory consultees SNH, SEPA, Marine Scotland, Annan Fishery and DGC Planning authority,  

·         SNH required an initial Ecology Report for Bats, Otters and Natterjack Toads, this has been completed for bats and otters, but a further assessment report will be completed in the Spring when Natterjack Toads are more active,

·         Stonework from the existing structure is being taken to a local storage area for re-use on any future design.

·         Additional temporary signage installed to emphasise Local Access Only.

Further updates on the above to follow in due course.

UPDATE (7th October 2019)

Quote from D&G Council:

“The issue has been found to be a failure to the abutment foundation. The upstream elevation has in its entirety collapsed into the watercourse.

The Brow Well Bridge is of a considerable age with records suggesting it dating back to early 1800’s. There is a local BT cable and watermain running over the bridge..

Having put a road closure in place and made the site safe, we have arranged for a local contractor to salvage some of the stonework from the burn. We intend to repeat this again this coming week.

A topographical survey of the site was completed on Friday and given the location of the bridge, the Council has commenced consultations with our Planning Dept and SEPA. Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust will also be contacted in due course.

In light of the time of year, site constraints and necessary permissions required it is unlikely that construction of a new bridge will commence for a number of months. Accordingly, we are investigating options for the installation of a temporary bridge in the short term to get the road reopened under the control of temporary traffic lights. Active discussions are ongoing with temporary bridge suppliers.

We are aware of the impact this bridge closure will cause in terms of access and the inconvenience of diversionary routes. The bridge at Bankend on the B725 road has itself been subject to flooding and as a contingency measure the Council is exploring the temporary use of alternative private roads for purpose of emergency access and egress.

The Council will continue to monitor the condition of the existing bridge and progress plans for a temporary structure.

Further updates will be provided in due course.”

Dumfries and Galloway Council have published the following (26th September 2019): 

B725 Emergency Closure @Brow Well
We’ve had to close the B725 at Brow Well due to bridge damage. Signs up at Bankend and at B725/Low Annan Road junction. Access provided up to bridge from both directions. No access will be permitted over bridge. We’ll post up when bridge is fixed

Please share with anyone who will be affected by this, and let us know if you hear before we do about the road re-opening. 

Many thanks to Colin Ferguson and Paul McGeorge for alerting us to this. 

And to Steven Burton for the photo below, it won’t be a ‘quick fix’…

And thanks to John Burton for this photo (taken around 4pm on the 26th)

Dumfries and Galloway photo (below) from their initial inspection which shows the damage to both the top and under the bridge.

They state that, the “Road will remain closed at Brow Well until repairs can be carried out. Thanks for your patience.”