Dava Bridge repairs start soon after dramatic crash near Grantown caused parapet collapse
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A contract has been awarded by Highland Council to a firm which will carry out vital repair work to the road bridge on the A939 at Dava, near Grantown.
The bridge was struck by a car on Friday September 15 and remained closed since then to allow the Highland Council’s structures team to assess the damage.
Part of the damaged parapet falling into the water was caught on video.
Bridge has remained closed for weeks for repair works.
The upstream parapet was so badly damaged it forced the closure of the road.
The works will comprise further dismantling and rebuilding of parts of the bridge.
The council is currently awaiting the contractor’s programme, however there remain fears that a cold wintry spell could delay reopening until next year.
The contract requires works to start next week and be complete by Christmas. However, freezing conditions are not suitable for laying masonry.
Colder weather is already forecast beyond this weekend, which has the potential to delay the reopening to next year.
Following inspection of the bridge council operatives found that in addition to the section of parapet which has collapsed into the river, adjacent lengths of parapet and spandrel wall are unstable and need to be carefully dismantled and rebuilt.
Executive Chief Officer for Economy and Infrastructure Malcolm MacLeod said: “This is a fairly involved process which may necessitate temporarily stripping off part of the roadway and backfill from the arch to allow the supporting walls to be reconstructed.
“A scaffold will be required over the river to gain access to the outside walls.”
Further updates will be issued when new information becomes available.
