Dava Bridge reopens after closure of more than three months
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The Dava Bridge has reopened after part of the parapet collapsed following a road accident in the autumn.
The repair of the crossing has been reported on social media even though Highland Council – the roads authority – appeared to be unaware initially.
Related article:
WATCH: Part of the Dava Bridge crumble into the river below
The bridge on the A939 at Dava, near Grantown, was badly damaged after a vehicle struck the upstream parapet on Friday 15 September.
Part of the crossing collapsed the next day into the river below with an on-looker catching the walls crumbling into the water on his phone.
It meant that the A939 Nairn-Grantown road had to be closed at its junction with the A940.
The repair works have comprised further dismantling and rebuilding of parts of the bridge.
The Highland Council contract required the works to be complete by Christmas.
Lynda Butcher said on social media: "Best Christmas pressie ever. I've not had a posty here since September."
There was praise for the contractor with Marion Robertson stating: "The team Geo Structural fixing that bridge have been brilliant working in all weather and temperatures to get it finished. Great lads with great attitude. I take my hat off to them.
"What a great achievement in six weeks of the harshest weather thrown at them – high winds, snow, -10C temperatures. I am certainly grateful to them."
Maggie Palmer said: "Great work guys. Lots of us can't wait to drive over it."
Following an inspection of the bridge in the aftermath of the accident, council operatives had found that in addition to the section of parapet which has collapsed into the river, adjacent lengths of parapet and spandrel wall were unstable and need to be carefully dismantled and rebuilt.
The local authority has said last month it would provide further updates when new information became available.
The Strathy contacted the council on Thursday for an update on the bridge's re-opening after reports the crossing's surface was being tarred and nearly ready to open.
But a council spokesman said: "No decision on when the Dava Bridge will reopen has been taken at this time."
The council then tweeted the next day: "Following the completion of repairs, #Dava Bridge has reopened this morning."
