Bridges are obviously an essential part of any road network. In the Borders there are over 1200 bridges plus many more small structures called "culverts" that carry roads over smaller burns.

With traffic loads increasing to far more than some older bridges were expected to carry, maintenance of them is vitally important.

Bridges have to deal with floods, water seepage, freezing and thawing, traffic loading and vibration, so their condition is always changing. The Council inspects each bridge (and other structures such as certain retaining walls) every 2 years and records any defects found. This prompts appropriate repairs to reduce the risk of potential catastrophic failure.

The Council's Bridge Maintenance Service manages and maintains public bridges and other public structures.

If you spot a defect on a bridge, such as missing stones from the parapet or large cracks anywhere on the bridge, please contact  the Bridge Maintenance Service.