Dava Bridge on the A939 set to remain closed for 10 weeks for repair works

A section of a Nairnshire road could remain closed for more than two months after a bridge suffered extensive damages earlier this month.

The bridge on the A939 Nairn to Grantown Road at Dava was struck by a car on Friday September 15 and remained closed since then to allow the Highland Council’s structures team to assess the damage.

Now the council has confirmed that inspections are now complete and it was found that, in addition to the section of parapet that has collapsed into the river, adjacent lengths of parapet and spandrel wall are unstable and will need to be dismantled and rebuilt.

A council spokesperson said: "This is a fairly involved process which may necessitate temporarily stripping off part of the roadway and backfill from the arch to allow the supporting walls to be reconstructed.

"The team are currently drawing up a specification and drawing for the repairs, as well as speaking to potentially interested contractors.

"They are making all efforts to expedite the process but, at this stage, they estimate that the bridge will potentially be shut for a further 10 weeks, allowing time to appoint and mobilise a contractor, and carry out the works."

They added that further details and the confirmed programme of repair works will be shared once they are confirmed.

In the meantime the bridge therefore will remain closed to all traffic and drivers should use alternative routes.

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