ESSENTIAL maintenance work to improve the road surface and bridge deck waterproofing system on the A985 Kincardine Bridge has been completed ahead of schedule.

It had originally been programmed to run until Friday 31st March but the main traffic restrictions were removed yesterday (Tuesday).

The works involved the replacement of the road surfacing, bridge deck waterproofing system and installing new expansion joints to the north viaduct spans of the bridge.

A system of temporary traffic lights has been in operation on the bridge since 17th February but these have now been removed and the A985 is now fully re-opened to all traffic during the day.

Pedestrian footways and cycle paths are also operating as normal.

In preparation for final completion of the works, the bridge will be closed at night on the 14th, 15th, 16th, 21st and 22nd March to allow bridge deck expansion joints to be installed as well as road side barriers.

Stuart Wallace, bridge manager for Amey who are the company responsible for managing the South East Trunk Roads Network, said: “We are pleased that this work has been completed significantly ahead of schedule. Two factors contributed to this, firstly, a period of fair weather conditions and the concrete bridge deck was in a better condition that envisaged prior to construction and this has minimised the level of repairs required.

“We would like to extend our thanks to the residents and business community of Kincardine, the local authority and the travelling public for their patience and support while this work has taken place. By undertaking this work now we are ensuring the continued safety and reliability of one of the key crossings on the trunk road network, and reduced the need for more extensive maintenance in the future.”

Transport Scotland’s Major Bridge Manager Douglas Laird said: “It is good to see these extensive repairs on one of Scotland’s major road bridges completed ahead of schedule. The work, which is part of Transport Scotland’s on-going bridge maintenance programme, will help make sure that the Kincardine crossing operates safely for years to come.

“We make every effort to minimise disruption during this type of work and we would like to thank everyone for the patience they showed the project was being carried-out.”

This scheme was planned in consultation with Transport Scotland, Traffic Scotland, Kincardine Community Council, bus operating companies, the emergency services, Marine Scotland, Forth Ports, Scottish National Heritage, the Road Hauliers Association, Freight Transport Association and Fife Council.