The next critical stage in replacing Balliemore Bridge, Glen Lean, Cowal, took place recently.
Six precast, 15- metre long, pre-stressed concrete deck beams arrived on site ready to be installed onto the reinforced concrete abutments on Wednesday 4 June.
A 130 tonnes capacity crane was required to take into account the safe working radius and capacity of the lifting operations.
Beams were lifted into place successfully, and are being secured together. The next stage will be to install pre-cast wing walls, and further deck reinforcement in preparation for the in-situ concrete deck pour.
The original Balliemore Bridge was demolished following its partial collapse during the 7 October 2023 severe weather event.
After 7 October 2023, the council, with the co-operation of Ardtaraig Estate, constructed a diversion road through a field to the north west of Balliemore Bridge, which allowed a temporary bridge to be placed slightly upstream of the existing bridge. The temporary bridge arrived onsite on 28 November and the road was opened safely on 1 December.
Councillor John Armour, Policy Lead for Roads, Amenity and Transport Services, said: “It takes an enormous amount of planning and engineering to get to this stage of a project, and I commend everyone who has been involved. I know it has been very complex.
“The temporary bridge has served its purpose well, and I now look forward to the new Balliemore Bridge standing proud for many, many decades to come after completion.”
