Dumfries and Galloway Council will reopen Kirkcudbright Bridge under single-lane traffic for cars and light vans, it was announced today (Friday 16 May).
The reopening will take place on or before Wednesday 2 July 2025.
Kirkcudbright Bridge remains closed to all vehicles in the interest of public safety until the bridge reopens to cars and light vans. The bridge is open to pedestrians and cyclists.
Drop-in events will be held in Kirkcudbright on Wednesday 21 May from 4 to 7pm in a pop-up gazebo at the Merse side of the bridge and Tuesday 27 May from 5 to 7.30pm at The Johnstone.
This will give the community and businesses the opportunity to speak to council officers and learn more about the short- and long-term options for Kirkcudbright Bridge.
Today’s announcement follows rigorous technical assessment and analysis by the council’s engineering team and its engineering consultant, Mott MacDonald.
A three-tonne weight limit and width restrictions will be in force when the bridge reopens.
Traffic controls will be put in place that will allow cars and light vans up to three tonnes to use the bridge. A single-lane chicane system with width restrictions will be installed that will help to control access and limit the weight on the bridge.
A new lowered speed limit of 20mph will also help to control traffic speeds and reduce the impact on the bridge.
New kerbing, bollards and large solid planter boxes will form the chicane gateways and prevent drivers of vehicles over three tonnes from attempting to cross. Temporary traffic lights will manage the one-way flow of vehicles.
In addition to the single-lane system for vehicles, space will be allocated for a dedicated cycleway next to the existing footway across the bridge. This will create a safer crossing experience for pedestrians and cyclists while encouraging active travel.
Councillor Ian Blake, Chair of the council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said: “I am pleased that we have reached a position where we will soon be able to safely reopen Kirkcudbright Bridge to cars and light vans.
“I would like to thank the public, residents and businesses for their patience and understanding while this important analysis and assessment work has been carried out.
“The safety of members of the public is Dumfries and Galloway Council’s number-one priority. The reopening of Kirkcudbright Bridge will mark an important step in balancing public safety, heritage infrastructure and community connectivity.“Our council recognises Kirkcudbright Bridge as a strategic priority and we remain committed to ensuring short, medium- and long-term options meet the needs of those living, working and visiting the area.
“I welcome the drop-in sessions as part of our commitment to provide regular updates about Kirkcudbright Bridge and give members of the public the opportunity to ask questions.”
To ensure public safety and legal compliance, the reopening will be accompanied by a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) enforcing a 3-tonne weight limit. This replaces the TTRO issued on 9 May to close the bridge.
Councillor Jackie McCamon, Vice-Chair of the committee, added: “We are grateful to the public for their patience throughout the ongoing closure.
“A great deal of work will be undertaken over the coming weeks in preparation for the reopening of the bridge to cars and light vans and work continues towards a long-term solution for Kirkcudbright Bridge.”
In addition to planning the reopening of Kirkcudbright Bridge to cars and light vans, council officers are working on options for a new bridge as a long-term solution.
The council will continue to provide public updates through its dedicated webpage – Kirkcudbright Bridge Closure – Updates | Dumfries and Galloway Council – and social media channels.
