Published: Friday, 15th June 2018
The historic Lowood Bridge has reopened ahead of schedule on Friday 15 June.
The B-listed 250 year old crossing, which links Galashiels and Melrose, was closed for 20 weeks on 31 January for an essential and major repair and strengthening programme.
Project faced weather challenges
Despite the early stages of the project taking place during the most extreme winter weather seen in recent years, the bridge reopened before the start of Melrose Festival Week.
Extensive masonry repair works have taken place during this time which required significant scaffolding to be in place for a number of weeks, resurfacing of the road surface on and around the bridge has been carried out and the traffic light system upgraded.
All these works – which have been carried out by Borders contractors - also mean that Lowood Bridge’s 26 tonne weight limit is removed, leaving all vehicles able to use the crossing.
The Lowood Bridge works were part of a programme of bridge repairs in 2017/18 which includes Clackmae Bridge near Earlston, Bowanhill Bridge near Teviothead and Bowden Church Bridge.
Travel
Over the first few days motorists are asked to drive carefully as they get used to travelling over the bridge once again.
Bus services which used the crossing before it closed will also return to using the B6374 road on Saturday 16 June.
Executive Member for Roads and Infrastructure, Councillor Gordon Edgar
“We firstly need to thank local residents, businesses and commuters for their patience during the closure of Lowood Bridge.
“We knew this closure would cause disruption locally over an extended period of time but the project team and the local contractors have worked very hard to ensure the project finished ahead of schedule despite the heavy snow we had in February and March.
“The Council is aware of the importance of Lowood Bridge which is why it carried out these works as part of a programme of bridge repairs across the Borders to maintain the structure for many years to come.”
Media
Images are available at our Flickr page.
A video is available at our YouTube channel.