Crumbling bridge over troubled water

David Knox 1607 - 1607 • Last updated 6 Mar 2009 13:04 0 Comments

CONCRETE bollards are being drafted in to stop traffic using a crumbling Peeblesshire bridge.

Officials closed the historic Old Manor Brig at the end of last week after it failed an inspection.

But cars and vans have continued to cross the 300-year-old structure despite warning signs being erected.

One Manor local told the Peeblesshire News: 'Everybody just thought the signs were up because of repair work and that it would be open again within a few days.

'It"s not only drivers who are still using the bridge but people are still crossing it on horses and also walkers.

'If it is so dangerous we should have been told.'

Engineers arrived at the bridge last Monday to carry out its biennial inspection - and were horrified to find crumbing sections of masonry and stretches of cracking along the road surface.

A follow-up probe found the Category B listed structure to be in danger of collapsing if vehicles continued to use it.

Plastic 'Road-Closed" signs were left as emergency meetings took place to plan a course of action.

Ian Williams, Bridge Maintenance manager with Scottish Borders Council, was unaware that drivers had continued to use the declassified road which links the Manor Valley with south west Peebles.

He told us: 'We are in the process of sourcing concrete bollards and they should be in place over the weekend.

'The bridge was last inspected two years ago and its deteriorated a great deal in that time - probably due to frost-thaw action.'

Dozens of drivers use the bridge every day to reach the Manor Valley and A72 from parts of Peebles.

But diversion routes through Peebles are now in place and it could be well over a year before they are removed.

Mr Williams added: 'Because the bridge is a listed building we have to consult with Historic Scotland before any repairs can be carried out.

'Significant costs will be involved in making the bridge safe again for vehicles and it could take some time.

'There are a lot of factors involved but I can"t see the bridge opening any time soon.'

The single arch hump-backed bridge was erected in 1702 by the then Earl of March, William Douglas, to span the Manor Water into the Parish of Peebles.

Thousands of walkers, cyclists and riders use the single-carriageway span every month for recreational purposes.

And they will still be able to cross a narrow central section of the bridge.

But local councillor Catriona Bhatia hopes traffic will soon be able to use it as well. She said: 'The bridge clearly needs a significant amount of work - it wasn"t built for modern day traffic.

'It"s a popular short cut route for many people in Peebles and is also used by people for recreational purposes.

'I will be pushing for the repairs to be carried out as soon as possible.'

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This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 06 Mar 09

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