|
Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.
 Kirkcudbright Bridge Update – Summer 2026
Thank you for subscribing to our Kirkcudbright Bridge updates newsletter.
Following recent public engagement events, we wanted to provide an update on progress towards identifying a long-term replacement for Kirkcudbright Bridge and explain the work currently underway. The project remains at an early stage, and no decisions have yet been made on either the preferred location or the final design of a replacement bridge.
Planning for the Future
The council is exploring a range of potential options for replacing Kirkcudbright Bridge, which has served as a vital link between Kirkcudbright and surrounding communities for generations. The work currently being undertaken is focused on understanding what may be possible, what it could cost and which options are practical to deliver.
As part of this process, engineers have been developing and assessing a number of bridge locations and bridge types. These are not final proposals. Instead, they are specimen designs used to test whether different options are technically feasible, affordable and capable of meeting the needs of the community.
Key factors being considered include:
- Working in close proximity to a busy operational harbour.
- Ground conditions and engineering requirements.
- Maintaining access for residents, businesses and harbour users during construction.
- Long-term operating and maintenance costs.
- Connectivity to the town and surrounding area.
- Overall value for public money.
 Specimen bridge design. This is not a final decision – it is a realistic example used to help estimate cost and support discussions about location and priorities.
Assessing Bridge Designs
A wide range of bridge types have been reviewed, from straightforward concrete structures through to more complex steel arch and cable-stayed bridges. Engineers assessed each option against cost, constructability, maintenance requirements and suitability for the harbour environment.
The assessment found that simpler bridge forms generally offer lower construction and maintenance costs and are easier to deliver, while still meeting the project's requirements. As a result, the specimen design currently being used for cost and feasibility assessments is a multi-span concrete bridge. This is not a final decision, but a practical benchmark to support the development of the business case.
Considering Potential Locations
Several possible bridge corridors across the River Dee have been identified and assessed. Each location presents different opportunities and challenges. Factors being considered include:
- Impact on Kirkcudbright Harbour.
- The ability to maintain a crossing during construction.
- Connectivity and access to the town.
- Affordability and deliverability.
Community views on these locations are an important part of the process and will help inform future decision-making.
Kirkcudbright Bridge Engagement – Community Views Help Shape Next Steps
Two public engagement sessions on the future of Kirkcudbright Bridge were held in June 2026, giving residents, businesses and visitors an opportunity to learn more about the project and share their views.
As part of the engagement programme, a community survey attracted more than 300 responses, demonstrating the high level of interest in this important local project.
Feedback from the survey highlighted several clear priorities. People want a replacement bridge that is safe, accessible and built to serve the community for generations to come, while maintaining strong connections between both sides of the town for residents, businesses and visitors alike. Respondents also stressed the importance of minimising disruption during construction and ensuring appropriate arrangements are in place throughout the works.
Accessibility emerged as a key theme, with many respondents highlighting the need for a bridge that works well for everyone, including pedestrians, cyclists, public transport users and motorists. Reliability, ease of use and long-term durability were also frequently raised, reflecting a desire for a bridge that can meet the needs of the community both now and in the future.
Many participants also commented on the importance of the bridge's appearance and how it fits within Kirkcudbright’s distinctive character. There was a clear desire for a design that respects the town’s heritage and setting while continuing to support the local economy, tourism and the wider community.
The findings from the engagement will help inform the next stage of the project as options continue to be developed and assessed. Community feedback will remain at the heart of the process, helping to shape proposals for a replacement bridge that reflects local priorities and aspirations.
What Happens Next?
Developing a replacement bridge is a complex project involving a number of stages, including:
- Feasibility and options appraisal.
- Community engagement.
- Selection of a preferred solution.
- Design development.
- Contractor procurement.
- Statutory approvals.
- Construction.
Officers are now moving the project towards Outline Business Case to enable us to then develop the detailed business case. It is anticipated that a report will be presented to the relevant committee by the end of 2026.
The current programme is targeting completion of a replacement bridge by 2030, subject to approvals, funding and the successful completion of the various development stages required for a major infrastructure project.
 Current Bridge Arrangements
As work on a replacement bridge progresses, current measures remain in place to protect the existing structure and allow its continued use by permitted vehicles.
These restrictions include:
- Maximum vehicle weight of 3 tonnes gross vehicle weight.
- Maximum width of 2.3 metres.
- Maximum length of 5.6 metres.
- Single-lane operation controlled by traffic signals and associated traffic management measures.
The council continues to work with Police Scotland to support compliance with the restrictions. Permanent traffic signals are planned to replace the current temporary arrangements and help improve the management of traffic crossing the bridge.
Scottish Water Wastewater Upgrade Set to Begin at Beaconsfield Place
Scottish Water will begin essential upgrades to the wastewater network in Kirkcudbright on Monday 17 August, with work expected to last around nine months.
The project at Beaconsfield Place will help protect the environment by reducing the risk of sewer-related debris entering the local watercourse. Works include replacing the existing storm overflow and installing new pipework.
During the project, there will be no access to Beaconsfield Place from Bridge Street and some on-street parking restrictions will be in place. Access to local businesses and properties will be maintained throughout.
Scottish Water will provide regular updates through direct communications, social media and its dedicated project webpage. The company has thanked residents and businesses for their patience while these essential improvements are carried out.
Stay Informed
As the project moves forward, we will continue to keep residents, businesses and stakeholders informed through regular newsletter updates.
These updates will provide information on key milestones, engagement opportunities, project developments and next steps as work continues towards identifying and delivering a long-term replacement bridge for Kirkcudbright.
If you know someone who would like to receive these updates directly, please encourage them to subscribe to the Kirkcudbright Bridge newsletter by sharing this edition and clicking the button below.
|
