TRAFFIC is now being diverted onto the new temporary Tweed crossing at Carlowse.

Engineers at the rural Tweedsmuir hamlet are close to completing access roads to the new bridge. And a giant crane has been on site to help position the temporary structure.

A council spokesman said: “The Carlowse Bridge project is progressing with the installation of the temporary bridge.

“The final temporary roads leading to and from the bridge are nearing completion with a view to transferring traffic.” Heavy forestry traffic was blamed for damage to the historic original bridge.

And it has led to a complete closure while experts carry out repairs.

But the £569,000 project at the 230-year-old bridge has been surrounded in controversy after the local authority rejected community wishes to create a permanent second crossing for logging lorries.

Concerns were also raised about damage to river banks around the new crossing.

Carlowse Bridge is expected to remain closed for around 14 weeks with a completion date scheduled for mid-November.