Laxford Bridge Update

The A838 road at Laxford Bridge, in North West Sutherland, is set to re-open tonight (Thursday) to vehicles under 7.5 tonnes.

The road was closed on Wednesday night after an Army lorry collided and badly damaged a parapet of the bridge as it travelled north and tipped 30ft into the River Laxford.

Temporary barriers are being erected to replace the demolished parapet.and the Council will have staff positioned at nearby junctions and the bridge to direct and monitor traffic movement.

A spokesman for The Highland Council said: “The erection of the temporary barriers will significantly reduce the width of the road available for traffic, so only cars and light vans will be able to cross once the bridge is reopened. All HGV traffic will have to use the diversion route until the parapet has been repaired.”

A repair of the bridge will be carried out as soon as practicable, the spokesman added.